Are Community Food Assistance Programs Meeting the Needs Of Food-Insecure Households in Pittsburgh's North Side Neighborhoods?

Semi-structured interviews with three householders and three community food program managers were conducted to explore if food assistance programs meet the needs of residents in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhoods. Findings show that insufficient income is the main factor contributing to household food insecurity. North Side residents also have difficulty obtaining nutritious and affordable foods because fresh produce is often too expensive and supermarket food quality is considered low. Farm stands and other food access programs are well received, but only provide access to nutritious foods during the summer. Limited income and limited food access increase reliance on food pantries and Produce to People. Householders use multiple programs to meet their food needs. Householders appreciate the food programs and seem satisfied; however, responses suggest some needs are unfulfilled and householders face monotonous diets. This may not be apparent to providers because householders may mask dissatisfaction to avoid appearing unappreciative. North Side food assistance programs provide sufficient food and usually complementary food to residents, but there appears to be a lack of variety in household diets and seasonal access to fresh and nutritious foods.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Van Dinter, Ryan M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Douglas Harper
• Evan Stoddard

• Food insecurity
• Food security
• Neighborhood
• North Side
• Pittsburgh
• Poverty

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1303

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-2319