{"id":21129,"date":"2013-05-23T12:00:27","date_gmt":"2013-05-23T19:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacing.ca\/vancouver\/?p=21129"},"modified":"2013-05-22T13:07:16","modified_gmt":"2013-05-22T20:07:16","slug":"release-contagion-consulting-conducts-first-independent-study-to-reveal-experiences-of-panhandlers-with-controversial-token-based-meal-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/vancouver\/2013\/05\/23\/release-contagion-consulting-conducts-first-independent-study-to-reveal-experiences-of-panhandlers-with-controversial-token-based-meal-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Release: Contagion Consulting conducts first independent study to reveal experiences of panhandlers with controversial token based meal program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Contagion Consulting is announcing the results of the first independent study looking into the behaviour and opinions of panhandlers towards the Save On Meats meal token program. The program offers an alternative to donating cash to panhandlers. Tokens are purchased at Save On Meats, given to someone in need, and later redeemed for a freshly made meal.<\/p>\n

The study was conducted in the Downtown East-Side and Granville Street corridor of Vancouver, British Columbia.\u00a0 The 100 panhandlers who participated in this study revealed their opinions and experiences in view of a token based meal program.\u00a0 The results, based on a structured interview, indicate that 86% of panhandlers believe the program is a good idea, and 100% of study participants liked the food they received.\u00a0 \u201cStrangers just walk by and hand them out.\u00a0 I can tell they are more comfortable giving me tokens instead of cash,\u201d says one anonymous panhandler.\u00a0 \u201cThe money goes back into the community and helps feed the poor.\u00a0 It’s a win\/win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Token based meal programs have triggered debate and encountered sharp criticism.\u00a0 \u201cProviding meals to people should not be so controversial,\u201d says Jayson Shurgold, a representative of Contagion Consulting.\u00a0 \u201cMuch of the criticism appears to be coming from some advocacy groups speaking for others, but the panhandlers we personally engaged widely accepted the token based meal program and painted a very different picture.\u00a0 Many panhandlers also shared opinions beyond the focus areas of our study and shed light on what concerns and angers them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hunger is a complicated issue and the study should be carefully considered in view of the specific conditions present in the Granville Street corridor and the Downtown East-Side of Vancouver.\u00a0 \u201cThis is the first independent study of its kind and the findings are relevant for researchers and groups interested in gaining elemental insight on how panhandlers access food, experience hunger and feel about token based meal programs,\u201d says Shurgold.<\/p>\n

The full report can be read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Contagion Consulting Group<\/strong> is a network of innovative and diverse researchers that engage and assist with academic and social based initiatives.\u00a0 With representatives in Ottawa and Vancouver, the collaboration is founded on the principle that information can change the world. For further information, please visit contagionconsulting.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Contagion Consulting is announcing the results of the first independent study looking into the behaviour and opinions of panhandlers towards the Save On Meats meal token program. The program offers an alternative to donating cash to panhandlers. 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