Letter - A model of volunteering for socio-disadvantaged people and its effect on their lives

Abstract

The increase in food insecurity, caused by running out of food and being unable to afford to buy more, is evident in Australia. In response to this there has been an increase in dependence by socioeconomically disadvantaged people on food provided by soup kitchens to supply their basic nutritional needs. In Australia, soup kitchens are usually staffed by volunteers, but anecdotal evidence suggests that in general, these volunteers are not themselves economically disadvantaged. Most studies of volunteers are of people who are not socioeconomically disadvantaged. The present study describes a novel practice whereby community kitchen clients, who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, are trained as volunteers to prepare and serve lunches in the kitchen they attend. The kitchen is located in one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of NSW. An earlier study on food insecurity conducted at the kitchen has been reported.