“Our Society Has A Very Interesting Way Of Caring For People”: State And Non-State Food Assistance Across Georgia

Food insecurity is a pervasive issue in Georgia despite the existence of federal and charitable food networks throughout the state. Although charitable and federal food programs provide an essential role in alleviating hunger, few studies have investigated these programs' spatial and ideological relationships. Previous literature suggests these programs are highly related though the state’s reliance on private charities to meet public welfare needs. However, modern projects investigating modern federal and charitable food programs from a spatial perspective are limited. Employing mixed methods including spatial hotspot analysis, proximity calculations, and focus group interviews, I examine the connections between Georgia's state and non-state food assistance programs. Results reveal spatial clusters of federal and charitable food that transcend urban/rural divides. Focus group insights highlight how state logics shape charitable operations. This study offers a novel perspective on food assistance patterns with applications for future outreach efforts to target specific populations in need.