Perceptions and experiences of food insecurity-related stigma in the United States
| Author(s) | Halverson, McKenna M. | |
| Date Accessioned | 2025-05-27T16:23:11Z | |
| Date Available | 2025-05-27T16:23:11Z | |
| Publication Date | 2025 | |
| SWORD Update | 2025-05-05T04:03:33Z | |
| Abstract | Stigma, defined as a multi-level social process, can result in social exclusion, reduced opportunities, and adverse health outcomes for target individuals or groups. Understanding and addressing manifestations of stigma related to the use of government (i.e., SNAP and WIC) and emergency (i.e., food banks, pantries, and cupboards) food assistance, and their impacts on program access among eligible adults, is pivotal for achieving health equity. This dissertation, guided by the Stigma and Food Inequity Framework, included three studies with the following aims: 1) conduct a scoping review of the literature to evaluate individual- and structural-level stigma associated with both government and emergency food program utilization, 2) conduct a qualitative study with emergency food program clients regarding individual-level experiences of food insecurity-related stigma, and disclosures related to participation in emergency food programs, and 3) conduct a qualitative study with emergency food program clients examining experiences of structural-level stigma. This dissertation offers important insights into food insecurity-related stigma and its manifestations within government and emergency food programs in the U.S., driving intervention strategies aligned with the Stigma and Food Inequity Framework. | |
| Advisor | Karpyn, Allison | |
| Degree | Ph.D. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences | |
| Unique Identifier | 1521254974 | |
| URL | https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/36186 | |
| Language | en | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | |
| URI | https://www.proquest.com/pqdtlocal1006271/dissertations-theses/perceptions-experiences-food-insecurity-related/docview/3200107029/sem-2?accountid=10457 | |
| Keywords | Food assistance | |
| Keywords | Food insecurity | |
| Keywords | Health outcomes | |
| Keywords | Intersectionality | |
| Keywords | Stigma | |
| Title | Perceptions and experiences of food insecurity-related stigma in the United States | |
| Type | Thesis |