Table 2.

Themes Relating to Food Pantry Clients’ Needs, Preferences, and Recommendations Regarding Food Received from Food Pantries

Theme	Brief Description
Clients need increased quantities of food items.	• Clients described relying on food pantries and expressed a need for larger quantities of food. • Clients requested that pantries provide more meat and dairy products, which are unaffordable for many clients.
Clients desire higher quality of food.	• Clients expressed desire to receive healthy food, including fewer snacks high in sugar and more fresh produce. • Clients reported concern that they received food in poor condition that they could not use, including items near expiration, spoiled items, and produce in poor condition.
Clients desire foods relevant to their households.	• Clients indicated difficulties in eating and preparing unfamiliar food items they received from pantries. • Client described dietary needs influenced by chronic diseases and challenges meeting these needs with the foods they received from pantries.