Sociology major Olivia Morrison ’25 has been meeting with nearly 25 local food banks, charities, and church-based organizations this summer to determine donation needs with the goal of publishing her findings and organizing an Elizabethtown College-based donation drive this fall.
In the process of her research, Morrison has found opportunities to engage in applied sociology by participating in her own volunteer work and creating connections between the local community and Etown’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE).
Morrison has worked alongside faculty mentor, Professor of Sociology Dr. Michele Lee Kozimor to complete this research as part of the Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP).
Title of Research
Canned Contributions: A Qualitative Study of the Donation Patterns and Needs of Lancaster County Area Charitable Food Systems
Student Researcher
Olivia Morrison ’25 (Sociology major)
Faculty Mentor
Michele Lee Kozimor, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology
(L-R) Dr. Michele Lee Kozimor and Olivia Morrison ’25
What are you researching?
Morrison: My project will examine the patterns and trends in donations to charitable food and shelter systems in the Lancaster County area. I will also determine whether the donations are meeting the needs of the local food banks by conducting 20-25 qualitative interviews with directors, staff, and volunteers of local food banks. Finally, consistent with the goals of applied sociology and the motto of the College (Educate for Service), in collaboration with the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE), I will design and implement a fall 2023 donation drive at Elizabethtown College based on the findings of the study. Applied sociology is sociology in use. In other words, it is policy-oriented and action-directed with a focus on decision-making and program evaluation, monitoring, and development. Public sociology is a subfield of sociology that engages with non-academic audiences. My summer project is significant as it combines aspects of applied and public sociology.
Why did you choose this topic?
Morrison: I have always been interested in inequality and the systems that help people suffering from inequality. As a sociology major, I understand that it can never be perfect. I also know that it could be better. What is currently being done to help those suffering from food insecurity is insufficient, and I want to help bridge the gap.
What is the most interesting aspect of this research?
Morrison: I appreciate meeting every person I interview. I love hearing about problems or challenges that I never thought about or did not encounter in my literature review because it means that I am expanding my horizon and truly adding to literature and knowledge.
How has your faculty mentor helped you?
Morrison: Dr. Kozimor has led a guiding hand throughout this project while allowing me to work independently, helping me gain skills and use critical thinking. However, I can go to her if I need to ask questions or someone to look over my paper.