Authors

• Nousiainen, Marko (National Institute for Health and Welfare)
• Sillanpää, Julia (University of Vaasa)

Keywords

citizen participation, communities, community action, development, food aid (domestic), social interaction, voluntary work, well-being (society)

Abstract

The dataset consists of interviews with participants from two social kitchens operating in different parts of Finland. A social kitchen is a space or activity that brings people together by offering affordable food, social interaction, and meaningful activities. The interviews explore participants' experiences of the social kitchen and its effects on their well-being, inclusion, and activeness. The aim was to collect small success stories that illustrate the mechanisms of impact and the strengthening of the experience of inclusion. The interviewees are involved in the activity either as volunteers, through an employment support programme, or as regular customers. The data was collected as part of the Project to co-ordinate the promotion of social inclusion, Sokra (2014-2023).

The interviews followed a thematic structure. First, background information was collected, such as the interviewee's place of residence, age, family relationships, labour market status, and education. Next, the interview focused on how the interviewee became involved in the activity and what kind of tasks they participate in. The interviewee was also asked to describe their experiences of the social kitchen, including relationships among participants, sense of community, opportunities to influence the activity and its content, and possibilities for self-expression and helping others.

The next section addressed the benefits of participation. The interviewee was asked to describe the effects of the activity on their daily life, future plans, health, and self-confidence. In addition, the interview explored whether participation had increased trust in other people. Finally, the interviewee was asked to reflect on other participants' experiences of the activity, including whether they had observed differences in participation between men and women.

Background information in the dataset includes the interviewee's gender and form of participation, the interview date, and a coarsened description of the social kitchen's operating model and location.