A tale of two pantries: The case of Iloilo City in time of COVID -19 pandemic

Abstract

This case study focuses on the community pantries in Barangay Mansaya- Lapuz, Lapuz and Barangay Rizal, La Paz, Iloilo City. Documentation and analysis of the two community pantries were conducted using the data gathered from Key- Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The simple logic model for Theory of Change (W. K. Kellogg Foundation, 2004) was used as the theoretical framework of the study and guided the analysis. The study showed that two major factors motivated the organization of the pantry. The personal motivations revolved around the organizers’ personal beliefs and principles and the societal motivations includes the increment of poverty and food insecurity experienced by community members. Resources are a vital component of the pantries as this dictates the pantries’ operation and services. The provision of food was the main goal of the pantries, while the objectives focused differently among organizers. During the operations, there are issues and challenges that occurred but were not able to affect the operation of the community pantries. The emergence and operations of the pantry affected community members through their values, practices, and change in socioeconomic conditions. The pantries also produced realizations among the organizers and barangay officials particularly on improving the access to basic needs of the members of the community. The community pantry proved to be significant in addressing food insecurity during crisis times, however the intervention is only a short-term response. Furthermore, the communities are encouraged to address food insecurity guided by needs assessment analysis, strong community engagement, regular budget allocation for the vulnerable families, strong public-partnership, and consistent monitoring and evaluation which are critical components of a community-based food security program learned from their experience.