Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2024
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Dr. Bethany Wood
Second Advisor
Dr. Noelle Fields
Third Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Murphy
Abstract
Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the perceptions of stakeholders regarding food availability, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability of food provided by a food pantry to food-insecure adult clients aged 50 years and older in Arlington, Tarrant County, North Texas. In this study, the stakeholders/participants of the food pantry are a director, a volunteer, and a client aged 50 years or older.
Methods: This study used a single-case study applying a qualitative rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to analyze the data collected from a sample of three stakeholders or participants. As such, the study focuses on gathering qualitative data through a semi-structured interview about food availability, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability from the perspectives of a director, a volunteer, and an older adult client aged 50 or older in the food pantry.
Results: Data or results are drawn from a sample of three stakeholders/participants in the study setting. The categories of the themes in this study included food availability, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability. Each had sub-themes, including food deserts in Arlington; fixed incomes and higher cost of living; accommodating client needs; and cultural considerations.
Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of using the client-choice food pantry model and the food pantry-based interventions, aligning with prior literature. The findings from this study emphasize the need to address food insecurity among adults aged 50 years and older; implications for social work practitioners, researchers, and policymakers are provided.
Keywords
Food availability; food affordability; food accessibility; food acceptability; older adults; food pantry
Disciplines
Social Work
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sesay, Benjamin J., "Exploring the Perceptions of Stakeholders Regarding Food Availability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Acceptability in North Texas" (2024). Social Work Theses. 1.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_theses/1