Publicação
Just Getting Started: Exploring the Integration Processes of Food Assistance Volunteers
| Resumo: | This article examines the dynamics of volunteer integration within food assistance initiatives in Portugal, addressing the critical absence of structured support systems. Drawing on an approximately year-long qualitative comparative ethnographic study of three non-profit organizations—a surplus food redistribution charity, a soup kitchen, and a social supermarket— this research uncovers significant gaps in integration guidelines and procedures. Through active participation as a volunteer, the researcher reveals how the lack of clear frameworks forces volunteers to rely on informal strategies, resulting in relational and organizational challenges. The findings highlight the pressing need for well-defined support mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer contributions in food assistance initiatives. |
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| Autores principais: | Augusto, Fábio Rafael |
| Assunto: | ethnographic research food assistance initiatives integration volunteer |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso restrito |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade de Lisboa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa |
| Resumo: | This article examines the dynamics of volunteer integration within food assistance initiatives in Portugal, addressing the critical absence of structured support systems. Drawing on an approximately year-long qualitative comparative ethnographic study of three non-profit organizations—a surplus food redistribution charity, a soup kitchen, and a social supermarket— this research uncovers significant gaps in integration guidelines and procedures. Through active participation as a volunteer, the researcher reveals how the lack of clear frameworks forces volunteers to rely on informal strategies, resulting in relational and organizational challenges. The findings highlight the pressing need for well-defined support mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer contributions in food assistance initiatives. |
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