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The role of social enterprise in food insecurity among asylum seekers
Author(s) -
Haines Bronte Claire,
McKay Fiona Helen,
Dunn Matthew,
Lippi Kehla
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/hsc.12593
Subject(s) - vulnerability (computing) , food insecurity , refugee , food security , social justice , social vulnerability , seekers , political science , psychology , criminology , geography , social psychology , agriculture , computer security , law , archaeology , psychological resilience , computer science
People seeking asylum in high‐income countries are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited opportunities for social and economic participation. Given this vulnerability, nongovernment organisations are attempting to improve food security outcomes through targeted programmes. This study explored the role of a subsidised mobile fresh fruit and vegetable market (the Food Justice Truck—FJT) on the experience of food insecurity for people seeking asylum living in Melbourne, Australia. This research uses a mixed methods approach, employing surveys and semistructured interviews to explore the lived experiences of asylum seekers using the FJT, including their experiences of food insecurity. Half of the asylum seekers interviewed in this study were found to be experiencing food insecurity. Participants in this study sourced food from multiple locations, with the FJT providing a supplemental, but highly valued source of fresh produce. The FJT was identified as positive social setting for some participants included in this research. This research has identified the ability of programmes such as the FJT to act as positive social settings.