Contradictions, dilemmas, views and motivations of volunteers in two community food support schemes in two London boroughs

Written By Dr Hilda Mulrooney and Dr Ronald Ranta

Abstract

The voluntary and charitable sector is responsible for much food support in the UK, in the absence of direct government action. A rise in food insecurity (FI) places additional importance on the work of unpaid volunteers, instrumental in food support schemes. Their perceptions, views and experiences are essential contributors to maintaining and enhancing such provision. Semi-structured interviews were held with 51 volunteers at two food support schemes in neighbouring London boroughs. Most volunteers were white and middle-aged and almost half were in paid work. Generally high levels of empathy towards clients were expressed, although some were concerned about possible abuse of the support. Contradictory views were expressed in relation to both personal responsibility for FI and the pay-as-you-feel model; training on both is needed. Major motivators for involvement in volunteering were the perceived value of the work and alignment of projects with personal interests, skills and beliefs. Benefits were viewed as wider than solely nutritional. Ethical difficulties described included the appropriateness of using surplus food to address FI, allowing supermarkets to effectively ‘greenwash’ and failing to address underlying drivers of both FI and food overproduction. Volunteers were also concerned that their involvement allowed the government to abdicate responsibility.

Dr Hilda Mulrooney and Dr Ronald Ranta

Hilda Mulrooney is a registered dietitian and nutritionist, and course director for the BSc Nutrition (Exercise & Health) degree. she studied in Ireland and at Southampton University. She has previously worked as a dietitian in the NHS in hospitals, the community and most recently as a public health dietitian. She is interested in public health, the role of diet in health and disease, and the role of healthcare practitioners in supporting change in others. She is an active member of the British Dietetic Association, and a committee member of their specialist Obesity Group, having held a number of committee positions within the group over the last ten years. She is an active committee member of the European Specialist Dietitians Network (Obesity).

Ronald Ranta is a senior lecturer at Kingston University. His research focuses on food insecurity, food poverty, and the politics of food. It is informed by his experience of working as a chef for over a decade and volunteering with a number of community food groups for the past several years. His volunteering work in particular has given him a first-hand exposure to the issues and challenges facing community food groups and the scale and gravity of the food insecurity and food poverty crisis faced by many in society.

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