Food Pantry Director Survey (2015)

Given the increasing role of food pantries in meeting the food needs of Missourians, it is important to better understand the ways in which the management and operations of food pantries can be enhanced. These Taking Stock reports highlight areas for potential improvement, identified by those who operate food pantries, to help spur conversation, target resources, and develop tools to help food pantries better meet their goals.

The reports describe the results of an online survey completed by Missouri food pantry directors in the fall of 2015. The survey was developed by researchers and staff with the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security at the University of Missouri. In total, 204 food pantry directors completed the survey (a 40% response rate). Food pantry directors affiliated with Harvesters in the Kansas City region, the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, and Ozarks Food Harvest in Southwest Missouri took part in the survey. Reports for each region are included below.

To see how this research is being put in to action, visit our Power Up Your Pantry webpage. There, you’ll find resources for food pantry directors and organizers that highlight options for enhancing the core operations of food pantries and help pantries better meet the needs of the people they serve.

For more information, feel free to contact Bill McKelvey, Project Coordinator, at 573-882-4973 or McKelveyWA [at] missouri [dot] edu.

Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri

Harvesters-The Community Food Network

Southeast Missouri Food Bank

Ozarks Food Harvest