This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to understand the dimensions of stigma associated with both government food program utilization (i.e., SNAP, WIC) and non-profit administered free food programs (i.e., emergency food programs such as food banks, pantries, and cupboards) and to examine the effectiveness of existing stigma reduction interventions in the context of food insecurity. The project had 3 aims. Aim 1 included a scoping review of literature focused on individual and structural-level stigma associated with food assistance (i.e., SNAP, WIC) and free food programs (i.e., emergency food programs such as food banks, pantries, and cupboards). Aim 2 included a literature review of stigma-reduction interventions for adults in food insecurity, mental health and opioid use contexts (US and high-income countries abroad, 2004-present). Aim 3 involved a qualitative study with 40 emergency food program (food bank) participants as well as interviews with 10 intermediaries (i.e., staff at food banks/cupboards, non-profits, hospitals, or other emergency food distribution sites) in Texas and Delaware. This research holds promise for creating similar tools to de-stigmatize participation in free food programs, and to inform future strategies for emergency food assistance programs.

Published Briefs

Executive Summary: Food Insecurity-Related Stigma in the United States

Executive Summary: Structural-Level Stigma in Emergency Food Assistance Programs

The Need to Enhance Accessibility in Emergency Food Programs: Addressing Physical Disability Challenges in Food Assistance

Published Papers

Food Insecurity-Related Stigma Among Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review