Challenges, apprehension and community, in a shifting policy landscape
A qualitative study of guest perspectives in two food pantries in New Jersey, US 2024–2025
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21296591 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Charles H Feldman (0000-0002-1742-7831, Montclair State University Department of Nutrition and Food Studies), Tito Alvarado (Montclair State University Department of Nutrition and Food Studies), Shahla M Wunderlich (0000-0003-0593-4315, Montclair State University Department of Nutrition and Food Studies) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-19 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-08 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Food Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/bfj-12-2025-1714 |
| OpenAlex | W7167584645 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 53 |
Purpose The aim of this research study is to understand the perceptions, opinions and feelings of 35 guests participating in selected “traditional” self-service food pantries, before and after proposed national entitlement policy changes in the US. Design/methodology/approach The research team developed a focus group and interview guide based on a review of comparable studies, incorporating domains related to emotions and structural barriers to food pantry use. Qualitative data were collected through five focus groups and individual interviews with 35 pantry guests in northern New Jersey during fall 2024 and spring 2025 at two large pantries within a regional network serving approximately 4,000 families (13,000 individuals) monthly. All interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using established qualitative protocols, with themes collaboratively developed and triangulated among the three investigators to ensure rigor and transparency. Findings Analysis of the focus group and follow-up interview data yielded seven overarching themes; Being “In the Middle”; Underlying Conditions Shaping Pantry Use; Awareness of Food Waste; Community Sharing and Inclusiveness; Stigma and Pride and Anxiety, Fear and Apprehension. Practical implications Pantries should pursue strategies to help alleviate stress, fear and anxiety among traditional pantry guests, as well as those in the middle who do not qualify for benefits and are food-vulnerable and economically or socially insecure. Social implications This study contributes to understanding the perceived consequences of recent policy decisions that may affect entitlement programs, particularly for individuals who depend on these programs as part of the social safety net. Originality/value This investigation offers a unique assessment of guest perspectives in two food pantries, conducted before and after proposed US national entitlement policy changes between fall 2024 and spring 2025
Apprehension · Entitlement (fair division) · Feeling · Focus group · Pride · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Stigma (botany) · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Food Waste Reduction and Sustainability · Organic Food and Agriculture
Fear by Association
Saturation in qualitative research
Inductive content analysis
Stigma Beyond Levels
The Development and Validation of the State Self-Compassion Scale (Long- and Short Form)
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
The politics of administrative burden
The chimera of choice in UK food policy 1976–2018
Associations between Food Pantry Size and Distribution Method and Healthfulness of Foods Received by Clients in Baltimore City Food Pantries
Distribution of fresh foods in food pantries
Chronic Health Condition Influences on Client Perceptions of Limited or Non-choice Food Pantries in Low-income, Rural Communities
Experiences of increased food insecurity, economic and psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-enrolled food pantry clients
Gratitude, resignation and the desire for dignity
Consumer choice as experienced in the user-choice food pantry environment
A systematic review of food pantry-based interventions in the USA
Measuring access to food banks and food pantries
Income Support in an Eco-Social State
Passing Stigma
Food choices at a client choice food pantry
The 2016 Presidential Election, the Public Charge Rule, and Food and Nutrition Assistance Among Immigrant Households
Beyond “Chilling Effects”
Free” food with a side of shame? Combating stigma in emergency food assistance programs in the quest for food justice
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Unspoiling Identity
Human Capital and Administrative Burden
Does administrative burden create racialized policy feedback? How losing access to public benefits impacts beliefs about government
Of ‘Welfare Queens’ and ‘Poor Carinas
Code Saturation Versus Meaning Saturation
"It makes you feel worthless." The lived experience of discrimination in the US food assistance system
I don't feel that we are a burden
Uncertain future, unsettled present
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |