The role of social enterprise in food insecurity among asylum seekers

Abstract

People seeking asylum in high-income countries are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited opportunities for social and economic participation. Given this vulnerability, nongovernment organisations are attempting to improve food security outcomes through targeted programmes. This study explored the role of a subsidised mobile fresh fruit and vegetable market (the Food Justice Truck-FJT) on the experience of food insecurity for people seeking asylum living in Melbourne, Australia. This research uses a mixed methods approach, employing surveys and semistructured interviews to explore the lived experiences of asylum seekers using the FJT, including their experiences of food insecurity. Half of the asylum seekers interviewed in this study were found to be experiencing food insecurity. Participants in this study sourced food from multiple locations, with the FJT providing a supplemental, but highly valued source of fresh produce. The FJT was identified as positive social setting for some participants included in this research. This research has identified the ability of programmes such as the FJT to act as positive social settings.

The assessment of an extended set of socio-economic determinants to explain anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality and food intake of Afghan refugees

“…Given the prevalence of war and the history of displacement in Afghanistan, many human rights reports and academic studies focused on Afghan refugee health status (10) . Others have evaluated food in/security status beyond the borders of Afghanistan and its associated obstacles (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) .…”

Meeting report: plant-rich dietary patterns and health

“…Firstly, with the need to mitigate against food insecurity and its detriment, strategies and interventions that are targeted where they are most needed will become more critical. There are a number of examples of such interventions including Eat San Francisco Vouchers for Veggies (121) and Food Justice Truck (122) . Secondly, future work to incorporate more aspects of food insecurity within current measures and metrics, will be valuable.…”

Urban mobile food truck policies: reducing disparities and building a culture of health in the United States

“…Arizona State University offered a mentorship and training for food business entrepreneurs to encourage participants to start new food truck businesses. A study of this program showed that ninety-five percent of these entrepreneurs were African American who lived in low-income communities, and forty percent of entrepreneurs were women who succeeded in the program and began to operate their own food truck businesses [ 32 ].…”