Global health is dedicated to understanding the health status of different populations and creating strategies to improve health equity worldwide. This project allowed me to examine the United States’ social services more deeply and understand the varying complexities of food insecurity. This experience consisted of volunteering in local food pantries and interacting with those who utilize this service. Throughout this experience, I kept a journal to keep track of my findings, which would help me to develop my research question. During the experience, I often noticed individuals struggle to make decisions, and I began to wonder what factors go into these decisions. I carefully examined the literature to answer this question and understand the complicated history of food pantries. This review highlights the government’s role and inability to take accountability for creating systems that require individuals to rely on food pantries. Those who work in food pantries also hold biases and stigmas that can influence the decisions of those utilizing the services. The actual drivers behind the choices made in food pantries are complicated and typically are influenced by the individual’s family members’ preferences. When these factors aren’t apparent to the volunteers, judgment, and criticism are often placed on the individuals for their poor choices that don’t align with society’s standards. This experience has challenged me to look at the biases I previously held and has forced me to look at the bigger picture. More research is required to evaluate the current services offered so they can be adjusted to better meet the needs of those currently relying on this broken system.
Author(s); Kendal Guagenti
Advisor(s): Cameron Hay-Rollins, Anthropology, Paul Flaspohler, Psychology
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