The experience of food bank usage among women: a phenomenological study

Hicks-Stratton, Catherine (2004) The experience of food bank usage among women: a phenomenological study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (3MB)

Abstract

A phenomenological method of inquiry was used to explore the lived experience of women who use food banks to explore: What is it like for women to access food banks?, What impact does this have on their lives?, and What impact does this have on their health? van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used for the study. Three women participated in the unstructured interviews and, throughout the interview process, were encouraged to talk about their lived experience with using the food bank. The study aims to provide a richer and deeper understanding of women's experiences with use of food banks. -- Thematic statements identified from the analysis of the narratives were: no other choice, a visible reminder of poverty, a lack of anonymity, a way to feed your children, and it never gets any easier. The themes provided a greater understanding of the complex experience of using the food bank. A discussion of the findings, as it relates to previous research, is provided. Implications for nursing education, nursing practice, nursing research, and public policy are presented as well as limitations of the study. Health care providers need to reevaluate current approaches to assist women who use food banks as well as develop knowledge and strategies to address the needs of the women.

Actions (login required)

View Item