Food Assistance & Hunger Research

Since 2005, the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security has led numerous studies that examine food assistance programs and the circumstances of people who use them. In particular, research has focused on the organization and operations of food pantries and the household characteristics, health, and coping strategies of those who use food pantries.

In addition to Food Assistance & Hunger in the Heartland 2021 (released June 2022), the center has released the following studies and reports:

Coping with Hunger (2005, 2010, and 2013) – Surveys of food pantry clients and households in The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri service area

Taking Stock (2015) – A survey of food pantry directors in four Missouri food bank regions

Feeding the Hungry (2011) – A survey of food pantry directors in The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri service area