• 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

Summary (3.8.8)

Because of the changes described above between the 2001 and 2005 surveys, and the implementation of improved methodologies and analytical techniques in 2005, the results of the two surveys cannot be directly compared at a formal level. In particular, several changes in the survey and analysis procedures were made to improve accuracy and reduce the burden that the survey imposed on food banks. These changes could have shifted the survey findings, independent of the true underlying changes in the system.

On the other hand, overall, the underlying estimation objectives of the two surveys were essentially the same. Each survey represents the best attempt possible, given the methods available at the time, to estimate the number of A2H clients and their characteristics. Therefore, we believe it is useful to examine the results of the two surveys together to some degree. We do so at the end of the next chapter, after first presenting key findings from the 2005 analysis. However, the conclusions reached by comparing the results across years should be taken as indicative, rather than as the results of formal statistical tests.