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Triniti VeachDecember 7, 2016Ethno MethodsFinal Ethnography Where the Government Stops, Community Starts: Looking at Food Accessibility in Snohomish County Food BanksIntroduction I conducted an ethnographic study at a local food bank to measure how the Northwestland food bank battles food insecurity in their community. Food insecurity is a multifaceted issue, typically consisting of food availability, economic and physical access, food utilization, and the stability of the three factors (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2008). Since this ethnography was conducted over a short period of time, I focused on food accessibility and how the food bank addresses increasing food accessibility for their patrons. Entering the field, my main driving question was: How does the Northwestland food bank promote food accessibility in its patrons? In addition to this, I wanted this project to focus on not only an element of food insecurity, but to also take into account nutrition and wellbeing of the whole person. Due to this, my second and third research questions are: How does the Northwestland food bank increase nutrition in food insecure families? And how does the Northwestland food bank promote mental well-being in its patrons? I believe that a food bank which makes the greatest positive impact on the human person not only gives them enough canned and boxed food to make it through the week, but also considers nutritional consequences of the food they provide, and also the stress that inflicts itself on those who are battling food insecurity. One thing worth mentioning is that I came into this food bank expecting to be disappointed. The one food bank I had encountered before this one managed to distribute all of its food within a space which fit about 8 people and their shopping carts lined up. Volunteers were consistently being bumped in to by carts and other people since the space for distribution hardly fit the cart, patron, and the table that held the food. In this previous food bank, the items were stacked on shelves over 8 feet tall and piled within milk crates. Cakes were smashed and produce was difficult to get to due to the fact that everything was within banana boxes with no apparent sorting mechanism except for some boxes contained fruits while other contained vegetables. This food bank was located within a city where the median home price is?$337,600 (Zillow). Arguably affluent part of the county. The Northwestland food bank is visibly within the part of the city which is poorer and known to have a higher reported crime rate than the other food bank. In comparison, the median home price is about $302, 800, and that’s with it being raised 11.4% in the last year, due to the new growth in an area 20 minutes away from the food bank that is booming with business and new home owners (Zillow). If the previous food bank has a difficult time serving its patrons with the community it’s situated in being typically well-off, why would a food bank in a poorer area do any better?The Northwestland bank exceeded my expectations. The food bank invites you in with a yellow glow off their walls, the smell of vinegar water, paper bags, and the familiar dirt smell from fresh produce. The white flooring and yellow walls are spotless, with plastic and paper bags neatly folded within large banana boxes for the use of the patrons. The facility itself is larger than my entire house, with enough space to serve about 20 people at time, have 15+ people waiting inside, and have over 30 volunteers sorting food, serving customers, and keeping items stocked. There are four racks dedicated to fresh bread items, and the back side of those shelves also contain racks which hold dessert items. These items are not smashed, damaged, or past expiration, but relatively fresh muffins, cakes, and cookies from Costco, Fred Meyer, Haggen, and other places. Continuing in a loop form, you would encounter a metal rack about 10 feet tall which contain extra-large items for families greater than 3 members. Two shopping carts lined with cardboard have dried pastas (wheat and enriched) and ground coffee or tea bags. After this, two metal tables hold blue plastic milk crates that have XL Campbell’s soups, canned fruit, canned green beans and peas, walnuts, tall cans of spaghetti sauce, and sometimes items like taco seasoning or Miracle Whip. Each of these are within their own bin or place on the table, showing a dedication to organization. Now in the middle of the food bank, you find yourself at a tall organizer which has two levels, in which four milk crates can fit in lengthwise in each level. Canned tuna, boxed flavored rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned soups, canned vegetables, cereal, and sometimes corn bread or cake mix is found here. Two freezers containing meat products come after, with anything from steak, chicken, tilapia, lunch meats, and hotdogs being found in there. Two aisles of produce are next, with 8-10 milk crates fitting in a rack, and there are two levels. Consistently there are fresh apples, potatoes, onions, lettuce/salad mixes, tomatoes, and avocados. I have seen brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, squash, basil, green onion, grapes, bay leaves, radishes, pears, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, cucumber, and other vegetables and fruits. Potatoes and onions have a strict limit on them, 7 and 4, respectively, regardless of the size of the family. Many other foods also have strict limits. The following list is what the food bank only gives one of per family: Box of dried pasta, coffee/tea, canned green beans, large canned soup, canned fruit, milk, yogurt, TEFAP items, and pre-boxed fruit (unless there is a massive supply, in which they can give as they see fit). TEFAP is “The Emergency Food Assistance Program” in which they provide “commodities” to the Marysville food bank. TEFAP items include the consistent canned goods like pasta sauce, green beans, peas, and during the month of October they had a one-pound bag of walnuts for each patron to have. The rest of the food they distribute is dependent on family size. The bread, desserts (cakes, muffins, donuts, etc.), canned tuna, canned vegetables, mac n’cheese or another starch based box mix (mashed potatoes, flavored rice, microwavable lentils), small canned soup, meat, produce, etc that was mentioned above is given based on the size of the family. In regards to produce that did not have apparent limits, I was instructed to let people take what they needed from the bins, but to not let them be greedy. Two more metal tables meet you after the predominantly vegetable produce line with boxed fruits, frozen dinners, pre-packed sandwiches and salads, chopped garlic, cookie dough, aluminum foil, pesto, salsas, dips, and other foods. This is the area with the most variety. Behind this section lies one large metal rack which has baby formula, diapers of all sizes, some health care products like toothbrushes and shampoo, and toilet paper. Under the table is where the pre-weighed and packaged rice, beans, and oats reside. Now approaching the end of the food bank, you get to two more metal tables where you receive fresh milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, juice, and sometimes coffee creamer. Before you exit the food bank, there are sometimes additional items for the taking. For example, in the month of October, the Northwestland food bank handed out pumpkins to each child. As a volunteer and a researcher at this organization, I felt that it was challenging to keep the dual identity, but rewarding to get a close point of view. I was often not able to tell people I was there as a student researcher from Seattle University, due to lack of conversation overall, lack of English conversation skills, or I didn’t find it appropriate to bring up due to the subject matter revolving around cats or something that wasn’t useful to my research. In addition, to those I did tell, I was not always warmly received, as I initially used words like “anthropology” and “theology” to describe my interests academically. When I transitioned to introducing myself as someone who is doing research with the food bank to see how well they are serving the people, it was more well received as it was perceived I was there to help, rather than “research.” Despite my researcher identity being an initial barrier, I felt that my minoritized identity as a black woman made me more approachable to the black and brown clientele, and to the patrons overall. Generally, I believe that my appearance is perceived as non-threatening, helpful, and not oozing with financial plenty. However, when I brought up the fact that I am a graduating student from Seattle University, it likely put me in a different light to the patrons. Hopefully I was seen in a positive way, but I didn’t get a feeling one way or another from the patrons themselves. However, the older population of volunteers warmly received me as a volunteer and often asked about me, my schooling, and my family. Along with my positionality, the preparation I took before entering the field impacted my experience. To prepare for fieldwork, I was not only educated in a school setting, but I also spent time reading scholarly literature which is apparent in the following section of this paper. Having previous knowledge through scholarly literature and the experiences from the previous food bank prepared me for the food bank setting, and better guide my focus while in the field. In addition to this, I took CITI human subjects training which taught me how to perform ethical research. Having this knowledge guide me was important in the beginning phases of research at the Northwestland food bank. Literature ReviewThis literature review aims to analyze recent articles, dating no later than 1998, that will contextualize the research that I will be conducting at a local food bank in Washington State. The articles in this review cover aspects of food insecurity, what role food banks play in their communities (sometimes known under the umbrella term of emergency food relief systems), and the nutritional ramifications of the food that is distributed and its relationship to food insecurity. ?Based on the review of the literature, it appears that food banks are a key aspect in keeping food insecurity at bay, but the quality of the food that is distributed, in general, is not nutritionally adequate. One of the many issues facing low income families is food insecurity. Scholars agree that food insecurity is a problem among middle and lower class Americans today (FRAC, 2015 & Marysville Community Food Bank, 2016 & Knowles et al., 2015). A recent study was completed by the Marysville Community Food Bank that showed 69% of the respondents’ have experienced food insecurity within the last year (varying from 1 time to more than 6 times in one year) (Marysville Community Food Bank, 2015). The Marysville Community Food Bank’s (referred to as MCFP from here on out) definition of food insecurity is not the same as the traditional definition provided by the USDA. The MCFP defines that food insecurity “is when a household lacks access to enough food for an active, healthy life, or when there is limited or uncertain availability of nutritious food” (Marysville Community Food Bank, 2016). The common USDA definition “is a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” (USDA, 2016).The study conducted by the MCFB was a survey, consisting of 10 questions that covered topics of food insecurity, demographics, household size, and one qualitative question that required the respondents to suggest ways that the food bank can better reach the community (Marysville Community Food Bank, 2016). While this study highlights the fact that food insecurity is alive and well, it doesn’t cover what negative ramifications are included with food insecure families. The Food Research and Action Center (2015) and Knowles et al. (2015) delve deeper into this. FRAC connects food insecurity with obesity in populations, while Knowles et al. (2015) explores the “toxic” stress surrounding the lifestyle of families who are food insecure. The Food Research and Action Center addresses the idea of obesity and food insecurity as a multifaceted issue, which involves stress, anxiety, depression, limited access healthy and affordable food, cycles of food deprivation and overeating, limited access to healthcare, lesser opportunities for physical activity, and being exposed disproportionately to obesity-promoting products (FRAC, 2015). The Food Research and Action Center analyzed governmental policies, like the Affordable Care Act, and other scholarly literature that exemplifies the hardships of families in poverty (i.e. families that are food insecure have a harder time obtaining a car, and then food choices may be made on transportability) (FRAC, 2015). ?This study from FRAC covers the many aspects of life that impact food insecure families, as the study by Knowles et al. (2015) highlights. These authors conducted 51 audio-recorded interviews to display how food insecurity negatively impacts livelihoods and health. With its title reading “‘Do You Wanna Breathe or Eat?,’” it exemplifies the trade-offs parents have to make for their children. Knowles et al. (2015) defines two separate types of food insecurity: low food security is when “Households reduced the quality, variety, and desirability of their diets, but the quantity of food intake and normal eating patterns were not substantially disrupted” while very low food security is when “At times during the year, eating patterns of one or more household members were disrupted and food intake reduced because the household lacked money and other resources for food.” Levels of food insecurity co-inside with other insecurities like energy insecurity and housing insecurity (Kiernan et al, 2015). Families facing these insecurities then have to make trade-offs between these insecurities and other necessities. The semi-structured interviews of 51 parents with children the age of 4 and under were recruited via Children’s Health Watch in Philadelphia. From these interviews Kiernan et al. (2015) found that food insecurity not only leads to physical health issues in adults and children, but developmental delays, behavioral issues, and mental health concerns (i.e. depression). More specifically, a link between maternal depression, food insecurity, and poor child health and development was proved to be true, and the parents themselves are trying to shield their children from these negative outcomes (Kiernan et al. 2015). Answers to the issues of food insecurity have often been found in the emergency food relief system, which include emergency food pantries, food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters (Feeding America, 2016). The emphasis of this literature review is the response to food insecurity through using the food bank, and how effective or non-effective that proves to be. Bell, Wilbur, & Smith (1998) and Handford, Hennick, & Schwartz (2012) demonstrate that food banks are typically not nutritionally adequate. Bell, Wilbur, & Smith (1998) studied 69 people who were waiting in line at the Flint Hills Breadbasket in Kansas. The studies conducted on these people included demographic information, dietary information, hemoglobin levels, and anthropometric measurements (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998). The individual results were analyzed using Nutritionist IV, a statistical software (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998). It was found that the population studied were either obese or underweight (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998). The data suggests that the people studied consume a lower quality diet than the general public in the U.S., leading to the idea that people who have to use the emergency food relief system are at risk of malnutrition (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998). The authors included that the patrons desired more produce, more fiber rich foods, and more calcium dense foods to increase health. In addition, the authors suggested that community members should be educated about nutritious choices before they donate to the food bank (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998).The second article mentioned above by Handforth, Hennick, & Schwartz (2012) continues on a similar line of thought the previous article brought up, although written 14 years apart. These scholars interviewed staff from 20 small, medium, and large food banks who are under the “Feeding America” initiative (Handforth, Hennick, & Schwartz, 2012). The interviewees mentioned the nutritional quality of their food is a major concern, and many food banks have installed a “no soda” policy, in which sometimes they lose donors (Handforth, Hennick, & Schwartz, 2012). Fresh produce is also a major topic, as many food insecure families do not have the means to buy fresh produce regularly. From these interviews we learn that food banks are trying to revitalize the food that is given to their patrons, but there’s also the controversial issue of whether or not there is regulation on nutritional quality of foods they distribute (Handforth, Hennick, & Schwartz, 2012). It is apparent that food insecurity is a major issue among low income families, and that this food insecurity can lead to mental and physical health issues. The population that I will be researching struggles with food insecurity, and that fact makes these articles a useful tool into understand the multifaceted issue that many people are facing. The history of the food bank has been to provide food, regardless of nutrition. People who are food insecure aren’t necessarily hungry, but their food sources are not regular or the food they are receiving are not beneficial to physical or psychological health (Bell, Wilbur, & Smith, 1998). Knowing that the food banks are trying to change to be more nutritionally adequate is important to see how the food bank I will be researching is meeting this need. ?Methods The methods I used to conduct my research derive from Schensul and LeCompte in their book “Designing and Conducting Ethnographic Research”. I performed participant observation, unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and mapping. Participant observation, as outlined by LeCompte & Schensul (2010), is a method of collecting data that creates meaning through human interaction. Furthermore, the goal of this method is to gather authentic data from the researcher and the participants, which typically occurs when distinct roles of researcher and researched have been blurred (LeCompte & Schensul, 2010). Participant observation took place during my time as a volunteer at the Northwestland food bank. I was granted access to the food bank as researcher along with being a volunteer by the director and volunteer coordinator. Once my research began, my position was to be a “shopper,” in which I walked with the patrons through the line and physically picked and packed the items that they verbally chose. The food bank has a “no touch” policy. While that isn’t the formal name of the rule, they do not allow their patrons to actually touch the food they want while they are going through the line. This volunteer role gave me the ability to have first person accounts of the type of food available at the food bank, the variety of items, how they are presented, and what the people are actually picking up and taking home. Unstructured interviews took place during participant observation, and patrons sometimes commented on the food they were receiving. I was not able to do many jottings or field notes while I was volunteering, but I found a couple of times to write down a few quotes and sightings during my time at the food bank. The semi-structured interviews took place outside of the food bank before morning distribution. The interview consisted of 6 open ended questions that took patrons roughly five minutes to answer. It was important that the interviews were short due to the fact that the food bank would be opening soon and people did not want to lose their place in line for very long. I had taken them to a quieter spot around the side of the building to ask them my questions. In addition to the two interviewees not wanting to lose their place in line, it was around 40 degrees outside and the interviewees and myself were notably unprepared for the weather. If the weather and time would have permitted, the interviewees perhaps would have liked to answer my questions more in depth. Despite this, I received many important insights on food accessibility from the interviews. To get access to these two participants, I reached out to the director of the food bank, Dell Deierling. He didn’t give me a name of a client, but rather introduced me to the group of clients who were waiting entry to the food bank. He did this so that I would have a more randomized sample. He had introduced me as a volunteer but that I was also doing research for school and wanted to hear their perspectives about the food bank. Immediately one woman volunteered, and then after I had mentioned they would receive a $5 Starbucks gift card for doing a short interview, another hand quickly popped up, along with a few others I was unable to meet with for the time being. Before beginning the interview, I read through a voluntary consent sheet with the participants and had them sign it.Lastly, I decided to map the food bank. The map helped me analyze the structure of the food bank in which they distribute food and other goods, and how that promoted their ability to distribute food to the clients. In addition, I felt that it was useful to have a drawing of the map for the reader to be able to connect the results and data to a physical map, rather than having to construct it in their imagination. Analysis and Discussion Using domain analysis as described by Schensul & LeCompte (2012), I found two main domains within my findings. These domains are choice and accommodation. These two domains were the most prominent themes in my participant observation, interviews, and mapping. The domain of accommodation has four factors: disability, family size, babies, and health care. The domain of choice contains three factors which are exercising choice, feeling as there they (the patrons) have no choice, and low expectations. Each of these factors have variables. For choice, the first commonality I saw in my interviews and in my participant observation was the patrons exhibiting their agency to make choices over what food they receive. One vivid image of an elderly man comes to mind, in which when I asked him the question of whether he would rather have tuna packed in oil or water, he responded excitedly with “Oil!” In my foolishness, I didn’t realize that tuna packed in oil was not a common item at the Northwestland food bank. It required two volunteers searching in a bin to meet this man’s request, but he seemed genuinely happy with receiving his tuna packed in oil. This is not the only example of a patron requesting specific types or styles of food, as I experienced clientele who didn’t eat canned food so they said no to all of the canned food options, and one man in particular who didn’t take any fresh produce because he had “plenty of that stuff.” Another avenue where choice was exercised was through aiming for healthy choices. While this wasn’t necessarily distinctly apparent in my participant observation, one interviewee mentioned that healthy choices influenced her shopping experience at the food bank. In addition to the patrons making choices for themselves, the structure of the Northwestland food bank increased this possibility. At the previous food bank mentioned, it was difficult for patrons to get exactly what they wanted due to the fact that everything was so crammed and to search for something you wanted you had to be elbows deep (somewhat figuratively) in a box of fresh produce mixed with black bananas and smashed blackberries. Due to the lack of organization, making choices appears to be discouraged by the individual, since it’s hard to get to anything. At the Northwestland food bank everything is organized by type with only few bins having mixed foods. The second factor of this domain is the patrons feeling that they have no choice. This factor focuses not so much on the fact that they can’t choose what they get inside of the food bank, but the idea that what is at the food bank is what is available to them, and they can’t change that. During my participant observation I had a conversation with a man, and the fact that I am interested in food insecurity and how the food bank is doing in serving their patrons came up. I wrote down what he said shortly after serving him since his insights were raw and unfiltered. He had said that he has to go to the food bank and his wife “don’t starve for a couple of days.” I had also mentioned that I’m interested in what the food bank could be doing differently and he responded to me by saying that “we take whatever we can get.” Similarly, in an interview I asked the question “If you could change anything about the food bank, what would it be?” A mother of two said that “you really can’t change a whole lot when it’s something that’s free… You kinda get what you get.” This demonstrates the idea that they feel that they have to utilize the food bank to supply enough food for their families, and due to this need and the nature of the food bank (free service that typically utilizes nearly expired food), they feel little to no control over what they get at the food bank. The fact that the patrons are not allowed to physically touch their food provides a disconnect from the choosing experience as well. The last factor under the domain of choice is the mentality of the patrons being happily surprised at the organized nature of the food bank, and the freshness of the food, due to their preconceived idea of a food bank providing only the worst of what is left over from major grocery stores. These low expectations manifested into praise for the Northwestland food bank by highlighting the great selection of vegetables and the adjective “fresh” being used for many of the items they distribute. One quote that encapsulates this notion of low expectation actually compares the food bank I had been to before and the Northwestland food bank. One interviewee said, “That one you had to wait forever… and they had hardly anything to choose from. This one had so much and it’s like fresh, and not like, old, expired things you would think you would get at a food bank.” It is evident that the Northwestland food bank is meeting and surpassing my, and others, expectations in the realm of food availability by exercising the patron's ability of choice. While some patrons feel the weight of needing assistance from the food bank and might feel powerless over what is presented to them, they have the ability to choose from wide variety of food that is fresh. The second domain mainly addresses my two supplemental research questions, as this domain derives from the food bank’s attention to feeding the whole person. There are 4 factors within this domain which are disabilities, family size, infants/ babies, and health care. The food bank supplies glucerna, sweet n’low, sugar free gelatin, and gluten free items to those who are diabetic or have other dietary needs. In addition, the distribution time on Monday gives priority to those with disabilities, so if you have a disability, you are able to go in the front of the line of anyone who doesn’t, which allows first pick of the food and also shortens the time some have to stand in line.Family size is another important factor, as family size varies from single persons to families over 7. There are XL family size items, like dual packs of brownie mix, a family size box of cereal, or a 20-pound bag of chicken, which they reserve in the back of the food bank for those who need more food assistance. The food bank itself gives food dependent on family size, but when the family is 5 or greater, they bring out larger items.Diapers are in huge demand for those who have babies. It’s an expensive, necessary item that many young families need, and the food bank is able to provide half of a grocery sack full of diapers to each person who has a baby at home. If a family has more than one baby in diapers, the Northwestland food bank accommodates for that and you can receive more than one bag of diapers if you have more than one baby. They also supply formula upon request, which I thought was an interesting aspect which can help promote childhood nutrition and alleviate some of the cost for families who feed their babies with powdered formula. Along with diapers, toilet paper is a common item for families to receive. Only a single roll, however, as you don’t need specific qualifications to receive it.The last factor under this domain is health care items. I specifically remember one woman during my participant observation who came and was very specific about what she wanted while going through the food bank line, and hardly took any produce. However, she eagerly requested if they had any shampoo or conditioner or toothbrushes. They gave her three toothbrushes and a container of shampoo, since they were all out of conditioner. This was a pivotal moment for realizing the food bank not only promotes food accessibility, but also works to make other necessary items available to promote well-being. Conclusion The Northwestland food bank offers many services outside from handing out canned goods to their food insecure community, but they focus on local produce, fresh items, balanced food distribution, healthy snacks for kids, toy drives for christmas, and other things that promote healthfulness and well-being. The food bank encourages its patrons to exercise choice in their food by presenting food in an organized way, providing a variety of produce, and giving many options in regards to fulfilling nutritional requirements. These options include having plentiful varieties of beans and meat proteins, wheat bread and pastas, canned soups and soup bases, organic and traditional macaroni and cheese, etc. Providing many options gives the patrons choices in areas that they perceived they wouldn’t have a choice. The accommodations made by the food bank alleviate some of the minor aspects of poverty by providing more food for larger families, health care items, diapers and formula for babies, and meeting the needs of diabetic clientele. This example from the Northwestland food bank is a brief account of my experience as a student researcher and volunteer so it should not be considered an example of food banks in Snohomish county. The sample size in this study was very small and the research took place in a short amount of time due to deadline constraints. While this example is weak for the research of food accessibility, it leaves room for further research. In addition to spending more time and interviewing more patrons about food accessibility, looking into food availability, utilization, and stability would be important in understanding the Northwestland’s role in combating food insecurity as a whole. Works Cited Bell, Michele, Wilbur Lee, and Chery Smith. "Nutritional Status of Persons Using a Local Emergency Food System Program in Middle America."?American Dietetic Association. Journal of the American Dietetic Association?98, no. 9 (1998): 1031-3.FAO. “An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Food Security.” Food and Agriculture Organization. 2008. Accessed December 7, 2016. . "Understanding the Connections: Food Insecurity and Obesity." Food Research & Action Center. October 2015. Accessed October 17, 2016. , Becky, Monique Hennink, and Marlene Schwartz. "A Qualitative Study of Nutrition-Based Initiatives at Selected Food Banks in the Feeding America Network."Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics?113, no. 3 (2013): 411.Knowles, Molly, Jenny Rabinowich, Stephanie Ettinger De Cuba, Diana Becker Cutts, and Mariana Chilton. ""Do You Wanna Breathe or Eat?": Parent Perspectives on Child Health Consequences of Food Insecurity, Trade-Offs, and Toxic Stress."?Maternal and Child Health Journal?20, no. 1 (2016): 25-32.LeCompte, Margaret D., and Jean J. Schensul. Designing & Conducting Ethnographic Research.2nd ed. Plymouth, UK: AltaMira Press, 2010. Marysville Community Food Bank. “Marysville Community Food Bank Survey.” Last modified May 2015. Accessed October 17, 2016. , Jean J., and Margaret Diane LeCompte. 2012. Essential ethnographic methods: a mixed methods approach. Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press.Appendix AAppendix BSemi-Structured Interview ProtocolCan you explain to me your experience of going through the food bank line?What influences the food choices that you make?What do you think of the food availability here?Are there enough choices?Do you get enough food to sustain you and your family? What do you think of the availability of the following items? Fresh Vegetables Fresh FruitGrains (like whole wheat bread, rice, and pasta)Meat Dairy Products (like yogurt, cheese, milk, and butter)Seasonings and Sauces Which out of the items above do you find yourself needing or wanting more of? If you could change something about the food bank, what would it be?Is there anything else you would like me to know?Appendix C Consent to Participate in Research Title: Where the Government Stops, Community Starts: Filling the Gaps in Snohomish County Food BanksResearcher: Triniti A. Veach Phone: [number removed for privacy] E-mail: veacht@seattleu.eduAdvisor: Dr. Jason Miller, Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work Phone: (206) 220-8449 E-mail: millerja@seattleu.edu Purpose: You are being asked to participate in a research project that seeks to understand how food banks in Snohomish County can better suit the needs of the people. You will be asked to answer eight questions about your opinions on the food bank’s food availability, your experience as a patron here, and what you think that can be done differently. The interview will last less than 20 minutes. Source of Support: None – I am not being paid or supported in any way to conduct this interview Risks: There are no known risks associated with this study.Benefits: This interview will be a part of my research project which will be distributed to you and the food bank directors. It will also be available to the other patrons who were a part of this study. Understanding your perspectives will be an important part of my research. This project will be used to hopefully alter the food bank to your needs and others. Incentives: For participating in this interview you will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card. Participation in the project will require no monetary cost to you. Confidentiality: Your legal name will not be included in the research unless you want your story connected to you. In this case, I will need your permission in writing to do so. Your name may be recorded in my own notes, but these will not be released to the public. All research materials and consent forms will be stored in a locked cabinet, and only my academic advisor and I will have access to anything that contains your legal name. Human subject research regulations require that data be kept for a minimum of three (3) years. When the research study ends, data will be stored in an archive and would only be used for educational purposes. All of the information you provide will be confidential. However, if you pose a threat to your own safety or to others, we must notify the authorities. Right to Withdraw: Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may withdraw your consent to participate at any time without penalty. Your withdrawal will not influence any other services to which you may be otherwise entitled. Summary of Results: A summary of the results of this research will be supplied to you, at no cost, upon request. You can contact me at [number removed for privacy] and veacht@seattleu.eduVoluntary Consent: I have read the above statements and understand what is being asked of me. I also understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw my consent at any time, for any reason, without penalty. On these terms, I certify that I am willing to participate in this research project. I understand that should I have any concerns about my participation in this study, I may call Triniti Veach, who is asking me to participate, at [number removed for privacy]. If I have any concerns that my rights are being violated, I may contact Dr. Michelle DuBois, Char of the Seattle University Institutional Review Board at (206) 296-2585. ______________________________________________________Participant’s SignatureDate______________________________________________________Researcher’s SignatureDate[OPTIONAL] Consent to Use Identifying Information I give my permission for my name, direct quotes, and affiliation with the food bank to be used in any presentations, publications, or other public dissemination of the research findings of this study. ____________________________________________________Participant’s Signature Date Appendix D“Map of the Northwestland Food Bank” ................
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