Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk is two times higher in those experiencing food insecurity than those who are food secure. Understanding the needs and experiences of being at risk for T2D while accessing a food bank can help to better support people experiencing food insecurity in the prevention of T2D. Focus groups were held with users of the Central Okanagan Food Bank to learn what influenced their engagement in T2D preventative behaviours (healthy eating and physical activity). Semi-structured interviews were held with food bank employees to learn what influenced the food bank’s ability and interest in providing T2D prevention services. Six food bank users and five food bank employees participated in the study. Data from the focus groups and interviews were analyzed separately using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were constructed from the focus groups: using the food bank: pulled in two directions, knowledge is both opportunity and responsibility, and competing priorities. Two themes were constructed from the interviews: a dream: the desire to help in all aspects of wellbeing, and the reality: under pressure. Results demonstrated that users of the Central Okanagan Food Bank want and try to engage in T2D prevention behaviours, however, face numerous barriers to do so. Similarly, food bank employees want to provide T2D prevention services to their users yet lack resources to do so. Future work should consider working directly with food bank users and staff to develop T2D preventions services that meet the unique needs those with food insecurity face.
