Engaged Research Grants
Enhancing Mutual Aid Food Sharing during a Pandemic
Researching and improving volunteer-run food sharing in Tompkins County
The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing food insecurity around the world and food charities are struggling to keep up with demand. To help address the unmet need, Mutual Aid Tompkins (MAT) has created outdoor food sharing cabinets, where community members can leave and take food and other essential items
Now, faculty and students are collaborating with MAT to better understand the operations of the food sharing cabinets and their role in increasing food security for local residents. The project team aims to identify and address the challenges of food distribution in winter; understand and improve the flow of food into and out of the cabinets; and assess how satisfied food recipients are, as well as any barriers they face when using the food sharing cabinets.
Through this project, student researchers will enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the unique role of volunteerism during times of emergency, as well as reflect on how emergency response may challenge our perceptions of group and community identities and responsibilities.
Type: Public purpose research grant
Topics: Access, Equity and Justice; Children, Youth, Seniors and Families; Food and Agriculture
The Team
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Karla Hanson, Master of Public Health Program; Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
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Leah Volpe, Master of Public Health Program
College of Veterinary Medicine
- Community partner: Mutual Aid Tompkins
Engaged Research Grants
Funding scholarship and scientific research collaborations with undergraduates and community partners.