The role of a community kitchen for clients in a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of a community kitchen for clients living in a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood.


METHODS
In 2005, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 clients attending a community kitchen located in a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood in New South Wales. Participants were asked their reasons for attending the kitchen. Qualitative content analysis was used to categorise verbatim responses to the open-ended questions.


RESULTS
The main reasons participants attended the community kitchen were to alleviate food insecurity and the opportunity to interact socially in a safe place, followed by obtaining advice on a broad range of services to address health and social problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The community kitchen had a positive effect on the lives of socially isolated people who are usually hard to reach, by providing meals, and facilitating social interaction and access to a wide range of services.
Furber
Susan
S
Health Promotion Service, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service; conjoint position with School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales. susan.furber@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Quine
Susan
S
Jackson
Janet
J
Laws
Rachel
R
Kirkwood
Deborah
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019058:Community Networks; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply; D006078:Government Programs; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult