• About the Study
• Methodology
  • Instrument Development
  • Training
  • Agency Survey
  • Client Survey
  • Response Rates
  • Analysis Methods
  • Reporting Conventions
  • Degree of Comparability
    • Estimating Turnover Rates
    • Provider Screening
    • More Than One Visit
    • Longer Hours
    • Number of Participating Food Banks
    • Open Less Often
    • Small Providers
    • Summary
  • Number of A2H Clients Served
• Key Findings
• Who We Serve
• How We Serve
• Local Picture
• Snapshot Comparisons
• Media Center

Degree of Comparability Between 2001 and 2005 Studies (3.8)

Most aspects of the 2001 and 2005 studies were similar. Both surveys (1) were based on the two-stage provider sampling approach described above, (2) used essentially the same client sampling techniques, (3) used similar questionnaires, and (4) were data-entered and analyzed using similar methods.

Nevertheless, some significant changes were made between the two study years. Most were designed to improve the study, by (1) increasing the accuracy of the data collection and analysis, or (2) reducing the considerable burden that falls on the food banks in implementing the study.

The Technical Appendix volume provides a complete description of the survey and analysis methodologies. Here, however, we highlight the main salient methodological considerations:

• Developing improved estimates of client turnover in the A2H Network
• Imputing numbers of clients served by small providers that were not interviewed
• Increasing screening of the provider sample for eligibility
• Improving the treatment of more than one interviewing visit to the same provider on the data file and in the analysis
• Incorporating more detailed information on provider operating hours
• Increasing the number of participating food banks
• Taking into account the possibility of providers being open less than once a week
• Estimating numbers of clients served by small providers