Eksplorasi Modal Sosial dalam Keberlanjutan Food Bank Aksata Pangan di Kota Medan

Abstract

This thesis aims to study the role of social capital in the operational sustainability of Aksata Pangan Food Bank in Medan City. The background of the research is based on the importance of food loss and waste management as part of efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Food banks play a strategic role in connecting surplus food with vulnerable communities through strong social networks. The research method used a qualitative ethnographic approach with data collection techniques in the form of participatory observation, in-depth interviews, focus group Discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. The data were thematically analyzed based on social capital theory to understand the interactions formed by trust, norms and networks among food bank managers, volunteers, donors and beneficiaries. The results show that social capital is formed through shared trust and collaborative norms that strengthen the effectiveness of surplus food distribution. This network enables Aksata Pangan to minimize food wastage while increasing food access for the underprivileged. The research also found challenges such as limited resources and the need to adapt public communication strategies to maintain synergy among stakeholders. The analysis revealed that the sustainability of the food bank is highly dependent on the ability to build social capital as the foundation of community solidarity and active participation of various parties. The findings provide important contributions to the development of social capital theory in the context of non-profit organizations as well as practical recommendations for food bank actors to strengthen social networks for long-term impact on local food security.