Use of Crisis Communication Strategies by Food Bank Network During a Global Pandemic

Abstract

During the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), nonprofits needed to quickly rethink their strategies concerning the sustainability of their organizations along with communication regarding the crisis. The pandemic presented unique opportunities for understanding how service-oriented nonprofits, who must share timely and accurate information across stakeholders and work closely with partner organizations, can deliver services during crisis periods. Utilizing a case study approach, the focus of this study is the impact of COVID-19 on the Federation of Virginia Food Banks (FVFB), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit state association of food banks affiliated with Feeding America, by examining the use of crisis communication strategies utilized or not-utilized during the crisis response and recovery activities. The findings present practical implications for nonprofit organizations and their crisis response and recovery networks and a better understanding of the needs for nonprofit organizations to engage in crisis communication planning for diverse crises and planning resources.