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Overview

Everybody Eats is partnering with the University of Auckland to undertake research to understand the social impacts of the Auckland ‘pay-what-you-can’ restaurants on the people who attend them (diners) and the volunteers who help run them. While this is an exploratory study rather than a formal hypothesis-driven experiment, we expect that participation in Everybody Eats may lead to positive social outcomes for both diners and volunteers. The study will employ a range of data collection methods including:

• Surveys (online/paper-based) to collect basic information about diners and volunteers and their experiences (including impacts on connection, wellbeing, food security, and personal growth)  

• Interviews to explore feelings of social connection, purpose, dignity, and wellbeing –– offered to diners, key staff, and other interest-holders.  

• Focus groups with volunteers to explore feelings of social connection, purpose, dignity, and wellbeing  

• Creative activities (e.g. drawing, writing, or other personal creation) to allow diners to express their individual experience  

The study team brings together researchers from the University of Auckland with expertise in research relating to the social determinants of health, public health nutrition, food policy, food environments, community engagement, te ao Māori, and social development. The study has been approved by the University of Auckland’s Human Participants Ethics Committee (Reference: UAHPEC31117).

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How to get Involved

You can participate if you ever volunteer or dine at either of the Auckland restaurants. You can do so either in-person, or online:

‍Volunteers and Diners, In-person: Study ‘Recruitment Stations’ will be set up at the Onehunga and Glen Innes restaurants 21 - 25 June. If you are a diner or volunteer during this period you can complete a survey at the Recruitment Station.

Volunteers, Online: Follow this link where you can access the Participant Information Sheet and the survey.

Diners, Online: Follow this link where you can access the Participant Information Sheet and the survey.

Note: Information about the other ways you can contribute to the study as a volunteer or diner are included at the end of the surveys.

For more information contact: Bridget Kool b.kool@auckland.ac.nz

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