Food-Based Social Enterprises and Asylum Seekers: The Food Justice Truck

Abstract

People seeking asylum in high-income countries are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited opportunities for social and economic participation. While charity organizations have long sought to provide food aid to those in need, the increasing number of people seeking this assistance requires alternatives. Using a case study approach, this research investigates The Food Justice Truck, which is a social enterprise designed to provide low cost, nutritious food to people seeking asylum with an aim to reduce the food insecurity burden. Twenty-seven people seeking asylum completed a structured interview (n = 15) or a semi-structured interview (n = 12). The majority of participants were female (n = 20) with an average age of 38.3 years (Standard Deviation (SD) 7.3; range 30–59) and over half were from Iran (n = 16, 59.2%) with most holding a temporary visa to stay in Australia (n = 15, 55.5%). Two key findings were identified including the fact that the FJT is at risk of creating and perpetuating a power imbalance. However, as a social setting, the FJT has the potential to promote and enable a social connection and create a positive experience. This research study adds valuable information to the literature by providing research on one alternative to traditional food aid. It was found that alternatives to traditional food aid may play a role in reducing the food security burden.

Policies and initiatives/programs that promote health and self-care in asylum seekers living in high income countries: a narrative review

“…Three studies (Haines et al , 2018; McKay et al , 2018; Mukoya et al , 2017), analysed some aspects of food banks such as model of access, type of food available and if nutrition needs of recipients were met. In one study, 11 out of 27 participants reported eating less food in Australia than in their home country and 44% (12/27) participants had experienced food insecurity over the past 30 days (Haines et al , 2018).…”

Patire la fame nella culla del welfare. Uno studio sulla sicurezza alimentare dei richiedenti asilo nei centri di accoglienza norvegesi

“…Le organizzazioni di volontariato tendono a concentrarsi intorno ad attività con i bambini o a facilitare la conoscenza della lingua, ma più raramente intervengono su aspetti più strutturali come i pasti o la manutenzione dei centri. Ciò è in contrasto con quanto emerge da studi condotti in altri Paesi dove, invece, il contributo delle organizzazioni di volontariato nel fornire cibo ai richiedenti asilo è rilevante (Schmidt e Palutan, 2018;McKay et al, 2018). Questo può essere dovuto al ruolo e alle finalità del "terzo settore" nel sistema norvegese che tende a essere complementare ma a non sostituirsi alle responsabilità dello Stato di prendersi cura dei gruppi più vulnerabili (Loga, 2018;Enjolras e Strømsnes, 2018).…”

Understanding Motivations for Volunteering in Food Insecurity and Food Upcycling Projects

“…The rescued food may be distributed for free, sold at a reduced fee at social marketplaces, or upcycled into new products Sedlmeier et al 2019). Current research in food insecurity is focused on the stability of these services and how to reduce stigma and improve the dignity for the clients which access these services (Bedore 2018;Booth et al 2018;Gordon et al 2018;McKay et al 2018;Roy et al 2017).…”

“…Food rescue charitable organizations, which include food banks and food-sharing operations, acquire donated food and make it available to those in need (Nikkel et al 2019;Riches 2018;Sedlmeier et al 2019). In the food rescue space, social enterprises include community supermarkets or other food-related social initiatives which sell donated food at significantly reduced prices or use it in products that are sold as a profit (McKay et al 2018;Sedlmeier et al 2019). These business models differ from charities since they accumulate financial profits, which can then be funneled into additional services or mandates (Holweg and Lienbacher 2011;Staicu 2018).…”