| Food pantries have been a growing source of emergency food response since the 1980's. Unfortunately after the food has been distributed, hunger is still present and the problem looms over communities. Emergency food responses have become a standard in most communities around the country and there are strategies that can move a community to build upon emergency responses and be food secure. The researcher seeks to create an empowerment food model that is dignifying, holistic, and participatory using the Park Place Food Pantry in Anderson, Indiana. The participants of this study are the customers Park Place Food Pantry and the volunteers of Park Place Community Center. They participated in surveys and focus groups. The researcher then analyzed the data for potential change and created the Park Place Community Food Center Program Design that includes a customer-choice, supermarket-style food pantry, a community garden, and a farmers' market in collaboration with the City of Anderson. |
