• About the Study
• Methodology
  • Instrument Development
  • Training
  • Agency Survey
  • Client Survey
  • Response Rates
  • Analysis Methods
  • Reporting Conventions
  • Degree of Comparability
  • Number of A2H Clients Served
• Key Findings
• Who We Serve
• How We Serve
• Local Picture
• Snapshot Comparisons
• Media Center

Methodology

This study had two components: (1) an agency survey that collected information about the food programs operating in the A2H Network, and (2) a client survey that would characterize the people using food pantries, emergency kitchens, and shelters and provide a better understanding of 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. (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) the training of food bank staff on survey procedures. We then describe each of the two surveys.