Summer 2017 – Over-churched and under-fed: organizational missions of religion and food security

Brazos County has a significantly higher number of religious congregations than the average county in Texas. Along with this, it also has a significantly higher rate of food insecurity among its citizens. These two realities, ostensibly, should not exist simultaneously in the same area. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the relationship between religious bodies and food security issues. Initially, we will explore baseline statistical data to establish the relationship. Further, we will create contacts with as many religious bodies as possible in order to perform participant-observational research with their food related service programs, investigating the variation across religion, denomination, size, and structure. The goal is to determine, if possible, what aspects of religious organizations—if any—affect food security issues in their community, and how. This project will emphasize a sociological imagination when thinking about religious issues in a community. As such, all religious activities will be treated objectively and with respect at all times.