Methodology Overview
This study had two components. An agency survey was conducted to collect information about the food programs operating in the A2H network. A client survey was carried out to characterize the people using food pantries, emergency kitchens, and shelters to better understand their needs. Each of the participating food banks helped MPR with the development of the sampling frame and with the data collection. MPR provided technical assistance with the implementation of the agency and client surveys. This section provides an overview of the methods used in the survey and analysis work. More detailed information is contained in the technical volume of the report. We first discuss two key activities common to both surveys: (1) instrument development, and (2) training food bank staff on survey procedures. We then describe each of the two surveys.
Instrument Development
The data collection instruments were based on the
questionnaires used in the 1997 study, revised to reflect the needs of A2H and
the results of extensive pretesting. MPR worked closely with A2H and the
Technical Advisory Group to develop questionnaires that met their needs and that
would provide high-quality data.
Training
MPR conducted two-day, in-depth training sessions for the
participating food banks, to ensure that each food bank study coordinator had
the proper knowledge to administer the surveys. The majority of the training
dealt with showing the study coordinators how to prepare local interviewers to
conduct the client survey. Each study coordinator also received a training
manual that contained sample materials and an outline of the food banks'
responsibilities.
