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David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement A new integration of the Office of Engagement Initiatives and the Public Service Center

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Engaged Faculty 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

  • Karla Hanson, Department of Public and Ecosystem Health

    College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Leah Volpe, Master of Public Health Program

    College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Community partner:  Mutual Aid Tompkins

Engaged Faculty Research Grants

Enhancing student learning and demonstrate impact through community-engaged research.

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David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement

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