Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Dr.OT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Penelope Moyers

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2022

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

Abstract Volunteers play an essential role in the operations of food pantries. Volunteers are instrumental in implementing outreach activities, stocking the shelves for food distribution, and assisting the pantry participants with selecting groceries during the shopping experience at consumer choice food pantries. This capstone project focused on sustainable volunteerism to address occupational needs of people experiencing homelessness. Therefore, this project involved examining the volunteer recruitment process of The Little Pantry That Could (TLPTC) and the motivations and attitudes that drive people to volunteer. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed method design using qualitative and quantitative data to examine the reasons why people volunteer. The qualitative portion of the study involved three paid staff who each completed an interview. For the quantitative data, 30 volunteers completed the Volunteers Function Inventory (VFI) and the Helping Attitudes Scale (HAS). Themes were established from the staff interviews and numerical and descriptive statistics were generated from volunteer surveys to reveal the reasons why individuals volunteer. The findings showed that individuals volunteer to serve others, enhance personal development, and to meet professional goals. The common theme reported from paid staff of the TLPTC revealed a need for effective communication training, and education and preparation of volunteers in how to engage with pantry participants. Keywords: food pantry, occupational therapy, consumer choice food pantry, choice-based food pantry, volunteers, food insecurity

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

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