For over 25 years organized groups of low-income families in Oregon have
been gathering food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing this
food among organization members. The purpose of this research study is to
explore the potential for these organizations (gleaning groups) to contribute
not only to food distribution, but also to the reduction of poverty through the
development of human capital (acquiring knowledge and skills) and social
capital (building relationships of trust and support) among participants in
these organizations. Data was collected through participant observation at a
regional food distribution agency and seven gleaning group sites, as well as
interviews with 13 key informants working with gleaning organizations, and
19 volunteer members of gleaning organizations. The results of this study
indicate that gleaning groups are contributing to the development of human
and social capital by providing individuals with opportunities such as working
closely with other gleaners, carrying out the administrative tasks of a non-profit
organization and distributing food to shut-in or disabled "adoptee"
members of these groups. In addition, this study shows that there are
significant hindrances to human and social capital development within
gleaning organizations including lack of control over the amount of food
groups receive through the national food-banking network, deficiencies in
volunteer participation and an emphasis on efficiency in carrying out group
tasks. The author suggests incorporating social and human capital
development into the stated purposes of gleaning organizations in an effort to stated purposes of gleaning organizations in an effort to intentionally remove
barriers to, as well as encourage further investments in these forms of capital. / Graduation date: 2004
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/28455 |
| Date | 03 September 2003 |
| Creators | Drage, Kimberly T. |
| Contributors | Rosenberger, Nancy R. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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