Table 2.

Participants’ perspectives on the pros and cons of food service models and their recommendations to improve them.

Model	Pros	Cons	Recommendation
Food Parcel	Commonly available Grateful for parcels when have nothing	‘Harsh’ eligibility criteria Inappropriate amount of food for family, types of food for special diets Inadequate nutritious foods No choice Short term (1–3 day) solution Food expires if you get more Incomplete meals—no meat Homeless people cannot carry	Respectful and dignifying eligibility processes Appropriate amounts and type of food to suit nutrition needs (e.g., meat, recipes, full meals, nutritious foods, length of time to cover) Ability to choose items
Food Pantry	Allows choice Other items available (toiletries, washing powder etc.) Fresh produce Suitable if have access to cooking facilities	Limits to number of items Close to expired food Limited types of foods, e.g., meat Can only use twice a year Must prove need Difficulty securing an assessment appointment Insufficient daily appointments Have to waiting for appointment despite immediate need Not suitable if no cooking facilities	Respectful and dignifying eligibility processes Reduce appointments waiting time, e.g., free calls or 1800 number Appropriate amounts and type of food to suit nutritional needs (meat, recipes, full meals, nutritious foods) Align food quantity with need Increase access during holidays and weekends
Supermarket gift card	Allows choice Can buy other essential items Easy to carry Dignifying and ‘normal’ way to acquire food	‘Harsh’ eligibility criteria Amount ($20) is inadequate Only allowed to spend at major supermarket chains where food is expensive	Increase supermarket voucher card value Relax eligibility criteria Cash for purchases from alternative food businesses
Seated meal services	Best for people without dwelling, social isolated or cooking facilities Able to combine with other services (e.g., shower, phone charging) Social engagement with volunteers	Families with young children too noisy Sometimes unpleasant environment/people Do not want children to experience the stigma Cost to recipient Can miss out on food because there is not enough and waiting time is too long No-one sits down to and talks to you Agency referral needed	Combine with other services Maintain pleasant, quiet, dignified atmosphere Tailor food service to client needs Universal eligibility Socially connect with recipients
Foodbank Food Hubs	Membership-based Reward/incentive program Discounts towards end of year, pre-saving for Christmas hampers Free bread, fruit and vegetables	Agency-issued vouchers require assessment appointments. Viewed as judgemental, embarrassing and undignified Food that is unsaleable or approaching its use by date or expired.	Universal eligibility or respectful and dignifying eligibility processes Membership includes rewards scheme for every dollar spent Food is purchased using own money Blended model—free food and some discounted for purchase Increase access during holidays and weekends
Co-operative	Dignifying Dietitian assessed low-cost food packs with recipes for preparing at home Offer toiletries, toys etc. Best with other services including seated meals	Membership fee Having to pay for food if no income	Include other services, e.g., seated meals or cafes Make it more accessible to people e.g., transport Increase access—Open during school holidays, weekends and major holidays
Social cafe	Allows access to mainstream café—normalising experience Helps isolated individuals An outing for a special occasion	Agency eligibility and assessment Meal subsidy is time limited Does not allow for family members and children Dependent on participating café in local area	Universal eligibility or respectful and dignifying eligibility processes Incorporate access for children and family members Free community barbecues to reduce social isolation and provide a treat/family outing
Social supermarket	Opportunity for capacity building and volunteerism Associated café providing cheap meals Membership and discounted food Supermarket style format, can exercise individual food choice Other services can be accessed via the social supermarket—the idea of linked service valued One-stop shop Opportunity for socialisation, community connection	Stocked with food that may be expired or close to use by date. Purchased food may have a shorter life span?	Increased access—Open during school holidays, weekends and major holidays