Abstract:
Adequate access to food of acceptable quantity and quality is necessary to provide energy
and nutrients for growth, development, and daily living. However, many Americans do not have
access to an adequate food supply and are considered “food insecure”. Despite the critical
importance of food pantries in reducing food insecurity, few studies have evaluated the
management strategies used by food pantry administrators. Identifying and addressing problems
in managerial practices has the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of these
establishments in their effort to help the food insecure. The purpose of this study was to identify
the different leadership styles, food procurement practices, food distribution practices, public
relations activities, and nutrition initiatives used by food pantry administrators in Delaware
County, Indiana. Seventeen food pantry administrators from Delaware County were recruited for
the study. Each administrator completed a one on one interview with the principal investigator.
Each interview session was approximately 30-60 minutes and was audio recorded. These
recordings were then transcribed, and data analyzed using QRS Nvivo2. Transcripts were coded,
and major themes were derived using phenomenological theory. The following themes emanated
from the study 1) There are unique leadership characteristics shared by pantry operators, 2)
There are distinct principles that guide how agencies organize themselves as community-service
entities, 3) Food pantries are attentive to the nutritional well-being of their clients, 4) Food
pantries are interested in growth and expansion to better meet client needs, and 5) Food pantries
rely heavily on donated items, which are distributed to clients with specific guiding principles.
Findings from this study implied that identifying the food pantry administrators’ perceived “best
practices” in the management of the food pantry and sharing this information with other food
pantry administrators, may increase the knowledge of the best management strategies and styles
and potentially help reduce the rate of food insecurity in the county
