Training

The agency lists obtained for the agency survey sample were also used for the two-stage sampling process for the client survey. In the first stage, 63 agencies from each food bank were sampled with probability-proportional-to-size. Sampled agencies were limited to those with pantries, kitchens, and shelters. Food banks were then asked to provide MPR with information on the hours of operation and the number of clients that each of the sampled agencies served on an average day. The second-stage sampling process used this additional information to randomly select 40 agencies for client interviews. Each agency was randomly assigned a preferred date and time for the interviews. The remaining eligible agencies from the 63 originally selected in phase one sampling were designated as replacements. Replacements were used only when an agency refused to participate in the client interviews or if, after speaking with the agency, food banks determined that they were ineligible for the study. In some instances, it was discovered during the process of obtaining additional information that an agency was no longer operating or did not run a pantry, kitchen, or shelter. In such instances, the agency was dropped from the sample.

MPR prepared bar-coded labels with identification numbers for the client questionnaires. Client selection forms were also printed for interviewers to implement a random selection of program participants and to account for refusals and ineligible respondents during on-site data collection. These materials and client questionnaires were shipped to food banks.

Food bank study coordinators mailed completed questionnaires and client selection forms back to MPR. Each of the questionnaires was logged into a database by scanning the bar-coded label on the cover page. Each Monday morning, MPR sent a fax to the food banks listing the agencies where client questionnaires were completed the previous week. The faxes allowed the food bank study coordinators to monitor their progress in completing the client survey portion of the study.

After MPR received the questionnaires, they were logged into the database and shipped to the subcontractor for data capture and imaging. The subcontractor optically scanned the questionnaires and produced data files for MPR. As with the agency survey, MPR received data files and CD-ROMs with electronic images of all completed client questionnaires. Chart 3.4.1 summarizes the client interview process.