| This study explores the positive and negative experiences of food bank users at two different food banks, and seeks to relate the participants' subjective experiences to the social organization of each food bank. Two qualitative case studies were conducted using multiple methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation. Ten food bank recipients, and two food bank coordinators, participated in the in-depth interviews.; Interviews with the recipients explored the experience of being a food bank user, and included questions about the first use of the food bank, respondents' present experiences at the food bank, and what could make the experience more positive. Interviews with the food bank coordinators explored how each food bank was organized, and included questions about formal and informal policies used within the food bank, and the coordinators' ideas about how food banks operate and what the experience is like for food bank users. Participant observation was conducted to deepen the researcher's understanding of the organization and operations of each food bank. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
