Distribution of fresh foods in food pantries: challenges and opportunities in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The charitable food system distributes free food to clients across the U.S., but many nutrition and health-focused efforts encounter barriers to success, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the current study was to understand barriers and facilitators to distributing nutritious, fresh foods in food pantries across Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Forty-nine pantry representatives participated in focus groups in October 2021. A codebook was created based on relevant literature, stakeholder interests, and an initial review of the recordings. Transcripts of each group were coded and analyzed using a basic interpretive approach.

Results

Pantries distribution of fresh foods was impacted by community partners, food

SUBMITTER: Huang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10327385 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature