The institutionalization of children's feeding programs in Atlantic Canada

This study traces the evolution of children's feeding programs established in Atlantic Canada from a few months to over 15 years ago. Our qualitative analysis of nine children's feeding programs in Atlantic Canada revealed that they began as an ad hoc, community-based effort to feed hungry children. All subsequently experienced stress related to community mobilization. In order to recover from this stress, programs "routinized," often with fewer volunteers or by adopting measures that ensured efficiency and stability. While one program remained routinized, others gradually assumed more features of institutionalization as a response to externally or internally imposed crises. They did so by adopting professional management strategies and often hiring professional personnel. As the institutionalized programs continued, they became driven by the need to feed themselves, which was often greater than their mission to feed hungry children. The challenge for dietitians assisting children's feeding program operators, policy makers, children's advocates, and citizens is to reflect upon which organizational models of children's feeding programs should be supported.