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α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
While private food assistance has long been a key component of the social safety net in many parts of the world, the literature examining the organization and effectiveness of private food assistance is relatively small with some substantial contributions coming only recently. In this article we describe the literature on private food assistance in high income countries, largely focusing on food banks and pantries. We offer an overview of the scope and nature of these services, their management and clientele. We also describe trends, opportunities, and limitations in research on private food assistance.