Megherhi, Sabreen
(2024)
The Impact of Food Insecurity: A Needs Assessment for the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Food insecurity is a worsening public health issue across the United States. Current estimates state that 10.2% of Americans experience food insecurity, and it disproportionately affects marginalized communities such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), low-income individuals, and folks with disabilities. Food insecurity is also associated with worsening physical and mental health issues, especially among women and children. In Allegheny County, the rate of food insecurity is 9.2%, however among Black individuals it is 24%. One organization that is working to address food insecurity is the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry (WCM), a non-profit that operates a store-front and mobile food pantry. They serve approximately 500-600 people per month and receive almost 41,000 pounds of food each month; they have also experienced a growth of 40.6% in the last six months. Due to this increase, WCM was interested in understanding their communities’ needs. A needs assessment in the form of a survey was created, administered, and analyzed, and recommendations were made based on the results.
The survey contained eight questions that were categorized into two groups: (1) demographics of respondents and (2) feedback on the services that WCM offers or can expand to offer. Additionally, due to the demographics of WCM’s clients, whom they refer to as neighbors, the survey was offered in four languages: English, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests of independence to determine associations between survey answer options, such as the time of extended hours or types of classes, and age or transportation type.
The survey was administered to 75 individuals, with an average age of 51±15 years, and 11 surveys were completed by non-English speakers. The survey found that many of WCM’s neighbors demonstrate a need for extended pantry hours, are interested in educational classes, and would like to see more varieties of food offered at the pantry. Additionally, there were no statistically significant associations found between answer options and age or transportation type. Ultimately, this needs assessment provided WCM with insight regarding the services they can provide to address the changing needs of their community.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Sidani, Jamie | jamie.sidani@pitt.edu | jamie.sidani | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Hudson-Richards, Julia | juh87@pitt.edu | juh87 | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
3 January 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
12 December 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
66 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Food Insecurity, Food Security, Needs Assessment, Health Equity, Health Disparities, Food Access, Social Ecological Model |
| Date Deposited: |
03 Jan 2024 17:44 |
| Last Modified: |
03 Jan 2024 17:44 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45660 |
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