A model proposal for the establishment and operation of volunteer kitchens in earthquake-affected areas: the case of "gönül mutfaği" during the February 6, Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Natural disasters are significant events that disrupt the functioning of both societies and ecosystems. Among these, earthquakes are particularly impactful, especially in Turkey, where the country's geographical location renders it highly susceptible to seismic activity. The dual earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023—one with a magnitude of 7.7 centered in Pazarcık and the other with a magnitude of 7.6 centered in Elbistan, both within the Kahramanmaraş province—underscored the critical need for robust strategies to manage both the pre- and post-earthquake phases. A crucial component of these response strategies is the effective provision of food and beverages to affected populations in the immediate aftermath of such catastrophic events. This study focuses on the "Gönül Mutfağı" (Heart Kitchen) and similar solidarity kitchens that were established following the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The research examines the experiences of the founders and volunteers of the Heart Kitchen, as well as volunteers from other field kitchens. To gather information, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three founders of the "Gönül Kitchen", twelve "Gönül Kitchen" volunteers, and four volunteers from other field kitchens in the Hatay province. Data collection concluded on June 10, 2024, once interview responses yielded no further novel information. The research is structured into three main phases, each analyzed under its respective subheadings, with the objective of developing a model for future earthquake and natural disaster responses based on past experiences. The study synthesizes the common themes and ideas that emerged from the interviews, providing a set of recommendations and a proposed model for establishing and operating volunteer kitchens in future disasters. The semi-structured interview form encompassed a wide range of topics essential to the research, including kitchen setup, social media usage, transportation, site selection, human resources management, volunteer coordination, accommodation, equipment and material procurement, food safety, supply chain management, waste management, menu planning, logistics and distribution, fieldwork, and institutionalization. The findings aim to offer a comprehensive guide for improving disaster response through the efficient operation of volunteer kitchens. Keywords: Natural Disaster, Earthquake, Volunteering, Hatay, Field Cuisine, Volunteer Kitchen