In this month’s newsletter, we would like to introduce PhD graduate, Diana Eyers-White from College of College of Business, Government and Law.
Diana’s recently submitted thesis, “How can Food Assistance Models Operate More Effectively to Facilitate Clients’ Pathways Towards Food Security?” received outstanding results from the examiners.
We asked Diana to share what her research was about and what was the highlight of the journey.
What was your research about?
My research investigated how different food assistance models operate, what drives them, and how food could be used not just to meet immediate needs, but to build connection and engagement, helping people find food security. My research explored models that go beyond food, incorporating social supports that aimed to address the underlying causes of food insecurity.
By understanding what makes food assistance models ’tick’, and by looking at the models as business entities rather than just charities, my research aimed to inform a more effective and sustainable future for food assistance, to evolve our current system into one that is not only more effective in the short term, but also better able to support people long-term, finding sustainable pathways out of food insecurity.
What was the topic of your PhD and why was it important to you?
My PhD focused on food insecurity, guided by the research question: How can food assistance models operate effectively to facilitate clients’ pathways towards food security? This topic became deeply important to me during my time volunteering at Fred’s Van, where I got to know the people we served. I saw the same faces year after year – I knew their names, who they barracked for in footy, all about their children.
It struck me that many of our clients had become dependent on our assistance – they were not finding pathways out of food insecurity. Their situation was not a temporary setback; they were unable to overcome the underlying problems that led them to this point. While we provided them with food and kind words, there were few opportunities for long-term change – and when someone stopped coming, it often signalled something dire.
This experience highlighted a broader issue in Australia’s food relief system: most models offer short-term handouts rather than sustainable ‘hand up’ solutions. Motivated by this, I explored international approaches to food assistance, looking at the models as a business, rather than just a charity, to identify constraints and strategies that go beyond providing food, aiming to support pathways out of food insecurity.
What was been one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey?
Working with industry partners through the ARC Linkage Project was an invaluable experience that allowed me to contribute to improving food relief in South Australia. I formed some important connections with people in the sector. This was a great opportunity to see impact and the importance of the work – I felt that I helped make a difference with my research, extending beyond theoretical research to the development of practical tools for practitioners and informing policy decisions. Being part of a large-scale project strengthened my research capabilities, which I now apply in my role at the Centre for Social Impact, Flinders.
What was been one of the hardest parts of the journey?
The hardest part for me was the final stretch, those last six months when all the data was collected and analysed, and it was just writing, writing, and more writing! Pulling everything together into a clear, cohesive thesis was a huge challenge. On top of that, learning to write for academic journals was tough, but in the end, it was worth it because it really sharpened my skills.
What was highlight of your student life at Flinders?
There were so many highlights during my PhD journey! One of the most memorable was receiving a travel grant that allowed me to see food assistance in action in countries where the approach is more holistic and place-based. This experience added richness and depth to my research and broadened my perspective.
I had the privilege of presenting my work at the University of Dijon and traveling across Europe and the UK to visit innovative food assistance initiatives. Along the way, I met some truly inspiring, kind-hearted people who care deeply about the communities they serve. Their passion and commitment reminded me why this work matters and made the journey unforgettable
How did your supervisors support you during your candidature?
I was fortunate to have a supportive supervisory team who guided me through every stage of the PhD journey. Their expertise and encouragement were instrumental—not only in helping me complete my thesis but also in giving me the opportunity to contribute to a larger project, which enriched my research experience.