Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 9.01 Women and Gender
Presentation #1 Title
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Hidden Hunger in Domestic Violence Victims
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Food insecurity in the Appalachia region is a well-documented social issue. However, little research has been done on fresh food deprivation suffered by women and children in domestic violence shelters in Appalachian Georgia. Using participant observation methodology, the author will discuss her research done in two counties as part of her work with the non-profit domestic violence organization, No One Alone (NOA). Although both counties are ranked as transitional by the Appalachian Regional Commission and thrive on tourist based economies, they also contain severe pockets of poverty. NOA’s clients often live “off the grid” and are, therefore, unknown and unreachable to traditional social services. Most of them are malnourished, yet fresh produce is overlooked by community food banks. Undergraduate researchers in the 2014 Appalachian Teaching Project became interested in this “hidden hunger” as they realized it did not conform with the picturesque images of quaint tourist towns. In fact, food insecurity is rarely discussed. How can students respond appropriately to this dilemma? This paper will summarize their findings and recommendations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
After living and working at an orphanage in Manchester, Jamaica, Emily decided to switch majors and dedicate her life to helping others. Currently a Business Management major at the University of North Georgia, Emily is learning how to apply her studies to her work at the local domestic violence shelter No One Alone (NOA). There she is a victim's advocate, residential single woman's case manager, and the coordinator of the outreach support group.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Hidden Hunger in Domestic Violence Victims
Food insecurity in the Appalachia region is a well-documented social issue. However, little research has been done on fresh food deprivation suffered by women and children in domestic violence shelters in Appalachian Georgia. Using participant observation methodology, the author will discuss her research done in two counties as part of her work with the non-profit domestic violence organization, No One Alone (NOA). Although both counties are ranked as transitional by the Appalachian Regional Commission and thrive on tourist based economies, they also contain severe pockets of poverty. NOA’s clients often live “off the grid” and are, therefore, unknown and unreachable to traditional social services. Most of them are malnourished, yet fresh produce is overlooked by community food banks. Undergraduate researchers in the 2014 Appalachian Teaching Project became interested in this “hidden hunger” as they realized it did not conform with the picturesque images of quaint tourist towns. In fact, food insecurity is rarely discussed. How can students respond appropriately to this dilemma? This paper will summarize their findings and recommendations.
