Date of Award

Spring 3-3-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs are designed to provide support to obtain food and promote healthy eating habits for those who fall below the poverty line. This study examined the effectiveness of one program and measured the food insecurities of its female recipients at Food Bank at Opportunity Junction in Contra Costa County. The study also measured change in the nutrition and eating habits of its recipients. Data was collected from Opportunity Junction food bank recipients from questionnaires given during the recipients’ 12 week program and focus group interviews. A review of the relevant literature analyzed similar studies of food insecurities and food bank programs and compared and contrasted their findings. The results of this study also provided public policy recommendations for food banks and other nutritional programs to help alleviate food insecurities.

The researcher of this study has volunteered over 100 hours in the Food Bank program at Opportunity Junction over the course of two years. A family member of the researcher was also a recipient of the Food Bank program at Opportunity Junction in 2013 and the family member has since graduated the program and was not part of the study. With this full disclosure of information, the researcher has conducted unbiased and objective research.

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