FOOD AID BENEFICIARIES AND THE OPERATION OF A FOOD BANK: A MIXED-METHODS CASE STUDY FROM POZNAŃ

<ns3:p>Food banks play a crucial role within the support network for individuals experiencing food insecurity, however, knowledge about their operations remains limited. This exploratory study aims to provide an initial understanding of the characteristics of food aid beneficiaries and the functioning of the Food Bank in Poznań (FBP), as viewed from both beneficiary and management perspectives. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative component consisted of a structured survey conducted using the PAPI method with 82 food aid recipients between December 2024 and January 2025. The questionnaire included demographic variables such as age, gender, household type, education, employment status, migration background, self-assessed health, and disability status. To identify distinct groups among beneficiaries, K-means clustering was applied as an exploratory technique, resulting in three profiles differentiated by age, gender, health status, and disability. To complement these findings, a semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted with the Director of the FBP. The interview addressed topics including beneficiary characteristics, food logistics, cooperation with partner organizations, and operational challenges. The results highlight the heterogeneity of food aid recipients and the evolving role of food banks. Beyond distributing surplus food, the FBP increasingly responds to emerging social crises and provides non-food support, positioning itself as a key actor within the broader social assistance system in Poland.</ns3:p>