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190500012065000The Bellingham Food BankProgram Evaluation87630013271500Veronica Kieft, Rosey Keeler-Reis, Jennifer Leong, Jesse Mauk, & Melina ZahalkaFall 2012AcknowledgmentsThank you to all of the individuals who made this program evaluation possible, and enjoyable. We hope it will be of assistance in providing accurate information regarding the needs of the individuals served.Thank you to Director Mike Cohen, for carving time out of his busy schedule and providing guidance and assistance throughout the process; thank you to Patrick, for being ready to help with good humor. Thank you to all the staff that were patient and kind to us as we ran in and out of their offices with clipboards, surveys, and pens collecting our data.328104550355500Also, thank you to each client that filled out the surveys—the information collected is appreciated and vital to the continued growth and services provided at the Food Bank.Most of all, thank you to everyone at the Bellingham Food Bank who volunteers their time to provide the community with food security; the responses to how clients felt about the Food Bank was overwhelmingly positive, and centered around the kindness and respect they encountered while utilizing this program.3364230-283845“[The Bellingham Food Bank] is like an emergency room grocery store…our goal is to provide as much food to as many people as possible. And we do it.” –Mike Cohen, Director4000020000“[The Bellingham Food Bank] is like an emergency room grocery store…our goal is to provide as much food to as many people as possible. And we do it.” –Mike Cohen, DirectorExecutive Summary552457051675“I don’t know what we’d do without the Food Bank. We come every week…we get more here than we do on Food Stamps.” –Food Bank Client4000020000“I don’t know what we’d do without the Food Bank. We come every week…we get more here than we do on Food Stamps.” –Food Bank ClientThe Bellingham Food Bank (BFB) has been in operation since 1972; over the last 40 years, it has grown and expanded to provide more services and more food to the Bellingham community. The Bellingham Food Bank has multiple programs, including a Food Bank Farm, the Small Potatoes Gleaning Project, the Garden Project, Victory Gardens, Milk Money, and Food4Tots. The primary focus of the BFB is to provide as much nutritious food to as many Bellingham residents as possible. The primary focus of this program evaluation was the food distribution, with a survey asking detailed questions as to what needs are or are not being met. During the process of collecting data, it became clear that the BFB is an integral part of many clients’ food supply; many people stated either in conversation or in writing that the 60 lbs. of food they receive on a weekly basis served to alleviate the stress in providing food for themselves or their family members. The evaluation also seeks to assess whether or not the goal of providing large quantities of quality food to high volumes of clients was met—a goal that was readily reached, as evidenced in the findings of the survey and feedback from the clients themselves.51562037973000IntroductionThe Bellingham Food Bank (BFB) food distribution program has been active since its opening in 1972. The BFB provides over 220,000 lbs. of food each month over approximately 9,500 visits. Additionally, it serves as a warehouse for other local food banks that have less space or resources to provide food to their communities. The BFB works to provide around 60 lbs. of food to each client at each visit, with foodstuffs based upon the nutritional guidelines of the food pyramid. While volunteers work each weekday, distribution times are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30-3:00 pm, with an additional distribution time on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 pm. The BFB recognizes that families and individuals in the community do not always have enough food to support them healthfully and confidently, and works to provide food security. By providing additional food and supplies (such as formula and diapers), the BFB strives to ensure that each person residing in the city limits of Bellingham does not have to decrease meal frequency or portions due to food insecurity. Food insecurity can be defined as not knowing where the next meal will come from, and/or purposefully rationing food supplies as a result.Sample and Data InstrumentsThis evaluation studied the population in Bellingham who are food insecure, specifically clients of the Bellingham Food Bank who come to the food distributions. Data was collected at each of the available Food Bank distribution times (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30pm-3:00pm, and Wednesday 5:00pm-7:00pm). The total number of surveys collected as 265. This was done on the second week of November 2012. The data instrument was in the form of a thirty question survey, as well as client comments. Survey questions consisted of multiple choice, fill in the blank, scale, and short answer (to see a copy of the survey, see Appendix A). Surveys were distributed to clients waiting in line to receive food at each distribution time. They were offered the option of filling out the survey independently or having a surveyor assist them by reading the questions out loud and documenting their answers. Surveys were kept anonymous, and at any point a client could decline to participate in the survey.FindingsHalf (50%) of the Food Bank’s clients report not having any dietary restrictions. However, of the other 50%, 18% of the clients need foods low in salt or fat, 14% have diabetic needs, 11% have food allergies, 9% of the clients are vegetarian, 9% have other restrictions, 4% are pregnant or breastfeeding, and 4% are vegan. Although clients show a large variety of dietary restrictions, the Food Bank already recognizes this and attempts to make sure it has the food to fulfill most of these needs. For example, because 18% of clients reported needing foods low in salt or fat, the Food Bank could try to provide these foods.1657350633095001657350249999500The great majority (71%) of the Food Bank’s clients have skipped or cut the size of their meals in the last 12 months because there wasn’t enough money for food. Ten percent of clients skipped or cut the size of their meals every day, 26% did 2-3 times a week, 15% did once a week, 16% did 2-3 times a month, and 15% have skipped or cut the size of their meal once a month or less. This may show two things: that the Food Bank is essential to the great majority of the clients who use it, or that the Food Bank has been unable to provide as much food as needed to fully sustain its clients. Please note the discrepancy between these two sets of findings: 71% of clients said that they have skipped or cut the size of their meals in the last 12 months and 29% said that they haven’t, while the percentage of clients who answered between every day and once a month or less added up to 82%, and 19% of the clients answered never (this could or could not be due to the Food Bank’s contribution to their food security).1533525137160000 Nearly half (43%) of the Food Bank’s clients report that they or someone in their household were hungry but didn’t eat because they couldn’t afford enough food in the last 12 months. Of this number, 4% of clients were hungry but didn’t eat every day, while 18% experienced this 2-3 times a week, 11% were once a week, 16% were 2-3 times a month, and 11% of clients were hungry but didn’t eat once a month or less. Please note the discrepancy here as well between the number of clients who were hungry and did not eat in the first set of data and the second.Nearly half (48%) of the Food Bank’s clients visit the food bank weekly. Another 32% visit 1-2 times a month, 10% visit monthly, and 10% visit less than once per month.In order to find out whether additional distribution hours would be helpful to clients, the survey presented four different distribution days and times. The food bank makes an effort to have times available to all clients who need the assistance and is currently open for food distribution Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30pm-3pm and Wednesday evening 5pm-7pm. Additional distribution times could also cut down the time waiting in line (an issue indicated by client comments), as well as being easier for 1181100120967500those clients that are employed (43%). Customers were asked to choose one of the four possible times for the food bank to distribute food. The results of the survey show most customers (33%) would like the food bank to be open Saturday 12:30pm-3pm. Monday evening was also a popular choice with 32% of clients preferring this time. Another 21% of clients would prefer the Food Bank to distribute food on Friday evenings, and 14% would prefer the distribution hours be extended to Sunday 12:30pm-3pm. It is important to note that some clients selected more than one time/date on their surveys.When delving into modes of transportation, including how easy it was for individuals to move their food home (53% of clients report disabilities in their household), Question 8 asked how people get to the Food Bank and ultimately how they get their food home from the Food Bank. The majority of clients (65%) drove their car to the Food Bank and transported their food home in their car. Another 17% of clients walked and had to carry their food home, while 5% rode their bike to the Food Bank and 10% rode the bus. The remaining 3% of clients who answered the survey used WTA specialized transportation services.Keeping in mind the physical ability and ease of movement for the clients, Question 9 asked how easy it is to move around inside of the Food Bank. This question provided a scale where a rating of 1 meant not easy and a rating of 5 meant very easy. Under half (40%) of clients gave a rating of 5, 33% of clients gave a rating of 4, 17% gave a rating of 3, 6% gave a rating of 2, and 4% gave a rating of 1. This indicates that the majority of clients don’t have trouble moving around inside of the food bank.Because the Food Bank is providing a service, it is important to know how accessible the service is to clients. Question 10 looked at how easy it is to transport food from the Food Bank to a client’s home using their regular transportation. This was a scale question where a rating of 1 meant not easy and a rating of 5 meant very easy. Most (44%) of clients gave a rating of 5, 24% gave a rating of 4, 15% gave a rating of 3, 9% gave a rating of 2, and 8% gave a rating of 1. This means that while the majority of clients find it easy to transport food from the Food Bank to their home, there is a population of the clients who find transporting the food to their home a struggle.164782537242750016478256667500In finding out how vital the Food Bank is to food security, Question 11 is a scale question that rates the importance of the Food Bank as a source of each of the following food categories: proteins, dairy, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bread/bakery items. For the purpose of this question, a rating of 1 meant the Food Bank as a source of that food category was not important and 5 meant it was very important. In each food category, the majority of responses gave ratings of 5 (proteins 62%, dairy 54%, dry goods 43%, fresh fruits and vegetables 68%, bread/bakery items 52%). In each category, a rating of 1 was given the least often (proteins 3%, dairy 3%, dry goods 2%, fresh fruits and vegetables 2%, bread/bakery items 4%). This shows that for the majority of clients of the Food Bank, the Food Bank is a very important source of protein and vegetables.1485900249555000Providing food is not enough; asking how satisfied clients are with the amount of their food received is another measurement of success. Question 12 looked at how satisfied clients were with the quantity of each food type they receive at the Food Bank. A rating of 1 meant not satisfied and a rating of 5 meant very satisfied. As can be seen by the graphs, the majority of clients were satisfied with the quantity of every food type provided by the Food Bank. That being said, clients were most satisfied with bread and baked goods and least satisfied with protein.In addition to quantity, quality is also important in meeting the program goals and client needs. In nearly every category, the majority of ratings were 5. The only category where this wasn’t the case was protein. The majority rating for protein was a 4. While 4 is still a positive rating, this lower average is reflected in comments included at the end of the survey that state unhappiness with the quality of meat (spoiling quickly or already questionable).When asked what other food or non-food products clients would like to see at the Food Bank, many responded in short-answer form with suggestions for increased amounts of foods already available, such as cheese, meat, butter, and diapers. Other suggestions for food items were gluten-free items, baking supplies such as flour and sugar, soy products for meat-alternative protein sources, diabetic choices, peanut butter, and tea. Non-food items suggested were largely personal care items, such as shaving cream, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, dog food, and toiletries in general.When asked if there was anything else clients would like the Food Bank to know, most of the clients wrote of their gratefulness for the program. Out of 107 responses to this question, over 80% expressed considerable gratitude. The remaining 20% suggested improvements to the speed of the line, and warmer places for the elderly to wait. It should be noted that Food Bank staff hands out numbers to those who arrive early and will have to wait; these numbers enable them to wait in warmer locations until it is closer to opening time. Evidence of communal atmosphere is reflected in these answers-- one client even offered to provide child care for the children waiting with their parents. Providing quality food with recipes or nutritional information could further help the clients served. The survey asked clients if they would use recipe information about the food they receive at the Food Bank. The majority (60%) of clients said that yes, they would use the recipe information. Fifteen percent said no, and 26% had no opinion. This indicates a desire for recipe information to be provided.In addition to this, the survey asked clients if they would use nutrition information about how to eat healthier. 58% of clients responded yes, 17% responded no, and 25% had no opinion. This indicates that the majority of clients would benefit from the Food Bank providing nutrition information on how to eat healthier.129540042291000Question 17 addressed the interaction between staff, volunteers, and clients. The Food Bank works to generate an environment of dignity and respect, so when clients were asked how often they are treated with respect by the people distributing food at the Food Bank, the majority responded positively. As can be seen by the pie chart, the large majority of clients are treated with respect every time. Over 90% of clients stated that they are treated with respect most times or every time. This indicates that very few clients feel that they are not treated with respect at the Food Bank.The Food Bank asks how many people are in each household for clients engaged in the program. Household, rather than family size, dictates the amount and type of products given to each client. The average household was around 3 (2.64) people for all clients who utilize the Food Bank. Households ranged from one person to twelve.Food bank customers report a fairly high level of educational attainment. While thirteen percent of users had not graduated, 25% had a high school diploma or GED, 9% had attended a trade school of some kind, 33% had attended some college and 20% are college graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. An overwhelming majority of clients who took the survey stated that they were renting when answering a housing question (Question 20). Approximately 84% were renting while only 5% were buying or paying off a mortgage. 6% were in secure permanent housing situations while another 6% were homeless. The majority of clients prove to be in some-what secure housing situations. The Food Bank requires only one piece of mail to prove eligibility (living within Bellingham city limits). When asked about the homeless population and possible issues receiving a piece of mail to a permanent address, Director Mike Cohen stated that they accept “General Delivery” with the client’s name within city limits. He also indicated that the Food Bank works to find ways to accept clients, not turn them away.-3810074295000A small majority of clients show that they are unemployed. Forty-three percent were employed or had someone in their household currently employed. The other 57% were without earned income. Those who were employed or lived with an employed person had an average of 33 hours of work per week. Those who were employed had an average income level of $1123 a month. By Bellingham standards this is little more than the cost of rent for most homes or apartments.1638300132461000Clients were also asked whether anyone in their household (themselves included) had a disability. Over half (53%) answered this as true while 47% said they did not have a disability as well as no one in their household having a disability. The Bellingham Food Bank was interested to know if they were the only source of food assistance that clients received. Approximately 50% utilize basic food assistance in their household. Other types of food assistance were much lower among households. One percent received meals on wheels, 14% received free or discount school meals, 6% received Women, Infant and Children (WIC), 2% went to Soup Kitchens, 1% received Senior Center meals, and 4% received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) as general assistance. Other forms of assistance included Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rental assistance (11%), Fuel or Heating Assistance (9%), and 6% said they received other forms of assistance.1590675477202500180975-35242500Another demographic question asks whether or not Food Bank clients have health insurance. Over half did (63%), with the majority of that half claiming state-assisted insurance such as Medicare (69%) and/or Medicaid or DSHS medical coupon (73%). Smaller percentages of those who had medical insurance were covered through Basic Health (13%), private insurance (13%), or another form of insurance (9%).When asked whether or not clients had served, or had someone in their household that has served in the military (Question 28), 17% responded with a “yes”. Of the 17% of households with military service, 44% served in the Army, with the Navy following closely at 37%, followed by the Marine Corps (12%) and the Air Force (12%).RecommendationsBased on the data collected from the survey, the following are a few recommendations. As a minor suggestion, 60% of clients said that they would use recipe information about the food they receive at the Food Bank if it was provided; it may be useful to clients for recipe information to be available at the Food Bank. Fifty-eight percent of clients also said that they would use nutrition information about how to eat healthier. Providing nutrition information could be especially helpful to clients considering 50% have someone in their household that has at least one special dietary need (special dietary needs consist of low-salt/low-fat, pregnant/breastfeeding, vegan, diabetic, food allergies, vegetarian, and other). A strong recommendation comes from a suggestion by several clients to have an option where they could exchange products that they couldn’t eat for items that they can. For example, if someone was gluten-free, they would have to turn down items with gluten, and would therefore receive less food since there were no alternative options to replace what they had to turn down. Something to note is that while that the survey data reflects the majority of clients are satisfied with the protein they receive from the Food Bank, many comments were written stating that the meat they receive is either already spoiled or goes bad too quickly. In regard to what clients felt they needed more of, cheese, butter, and diapers were requested. Some other items that were requested that the Food Bank doesn’t already provide regularly include dog food and toiletries.Weaknesses of the EvaluationThe survey used for evaluation of the Food Bank distribution program captured many elements of data, but there were also some limitations or weaknesses in the survey. We had surveys available in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian but there were a few people who did not speak any of the three languages so we were unable to give them the survey and get their opinion and information.A few of the questions on the survey were not clearly worded and the information received may have not been as accurate as we would have liked. Questions 3-5 ask whether the person/family had gone hungry or skipped a meal in the last 12 months. This wording doesn’t clearly ask if the household was food insecure prior to going to the Food Bank or after receiving food assistance. This makes a significant difference, because if people are food insecure even after using the Food Bank, more food needs to be available at the Food Bank. Some questions were contingent upon answering yes to a previous question; some clients answered the second question even though the prior answer was no, creating a slightly larger margin of error.Short-answer questions or comment areas were filled out only by those with surveys in English. This may have kept clients with English as a second language from thoroughly relaying their opinions or suggestions because they were insecure about their writing or English skills. Additionally, clients with difficulty reading or writing in general would not have had their comments or concerns heard.There were a few questions that asked the participant to check only one option and they checked more than one (different distribution times, for example). The questions were asking for one specific option that would work better for the client so when they chose multiple options the results were skewed and did not provide the specific information the survey was asking for.ConclusionKey points of importance are that most of the Food Bank clients use the Food Bank due to food insecurity—71% report skipping or cutting the size of their meals in the last 12 months due to their financial situation. Nearly half of Food Bank clients use the Food Bank every week for their households. Over half of Food Bank clients report that protein, dairy, fruits and vegetables, bread and baked goods are very important, which is consistent with the half of clients that report the Food Bank is also very important as a source for each of these categories. Most clients find the quantity and quality of the food provided to be very good. The majority of Food Bank clients are unemployed and/or have a disability. Approximately half have basic food assistance and almost half report using the Food Bank weekly, indicating the Bellingham Food Bank is vital as both supplementary food supply and a resource for food security to those in need. The data collected from this survey clearly shows what an excellent job the Bellingham Food Bank is doing in meeting their program goal. Our primary recommendation is to adjust the survey. While the survey does a thorough job at capturing the demographics of clients, it may be beneficial to add some questions regarding the Bellingham Food Bank’s success with decreasing food insecurity in client households. This information would be useful in demonstrating whether or not the Bellingham Food Bank is meeting its mission statement.The data collected from the survey indicates that the Bellingham Food Bank meets its goal of providing quality food to a large population. The large number of people they serve (a reported 9,500 visits monthly), as well as the amount of food distributed (220,000 lbs. monthly), shows this goal is met quantitatively; the results from the survey, including client comments and feedback, indicate that this goal is being met qualitatively as well.Appendix A (Survey)The Bellingham Food Bank would like to know a little bit more about the people who come here and how we can do a better job. Please take a moment to fill in this survey. Your answers are completely confidential and will only be used by the Food Bank. If you have questions ask one of the helpers sitting outside. Thank you!1. Check all of the special dietary needs that apply to anyone in your household. (Check all that apply) No special dietary needs Low-salt/low-fat Pregnant/breastfeeding Vegan Diabetic Food allergies Vegetarian Other_______2. In the last 12 months, did you ever skip or cut the size of your meals because there wasn’t enough money for food? YesNo3. If yes, how often did you or anyone in your household skip or cut the size of meals?(Check only one) Every day 2-3 times a week Once a week 2-3 times a month Once a month or less Never4. In the last 12 months, were you or anyone in your household ever hungry but didn't eat because you couldn't afford enough food?YesNo5. If yes, how often were you or anyone in your household hungry but didn’t eat because you couldn’t afford enough food? (Check only one) Every day 2-3 times a week Once a week 2-3 times a month Once a month or less Never6. Over the course of the year, which best describes how often you come to the food bank? (Check only one) Weekly 1-2 times a month Monthly 6-9 times a year less than 6 times a year7. If the food bank were to change distribution hours, or add new hours, which of these times would be most convenient? (Check only one) Monday evening Friday evening Saturday 12:30-3:00 Sunday 12:30-3:008. How did you get here today? Car Walked Biked Bus WTA Specialized Transportation9. On a scale of 1-5, how easy is it for you to move food around the inside of the food bank? Use 1 for “not easy” and 5 for “very easy”.73152014033500Not easy Very Easy 1 2 3 4 5PLEASE GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE10. On a scale of 1-5, how easy is it for you to move food from the food bank to your home using your regular transportation (car, bus, bike, etc.)? Use 1 for “not easy” and 5 for “very easy”.73152014033500Not easy Very Easy 1 2 3 4 511. Thinking about all the food consumed in your household, how IMPORTANT is the Bellingham Food Bank as a source of each food type? Use 1 for “not important” and 5 for “very important”.91884511811000Not important Very importantProteins (meats, fish, beans)1 2 3 4 5Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)1 2 3 4 5Dry goods (pasta, rice, cereal)1 2 3 4 5Fresh Vegetables and Fruit1 2 3 4 5Bread and Bakery Items1 2 3 4 512. On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with the QUANTITY of each food type you are able to get when you visit the Bellingham Food Bank? Use 1 for “not satisfied” and 5 for “very satisfied”.8896357048500Not satisfied Very satisfiedProteins (meats, fish, beans)1 2 3 4 5Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)1 2 3 4 5Dry goods (pasta, rice, cereal)1 2 3 4 5Fresh Vegetables and Fruit1 2 3 4 5Bread and Bakery Items1 2 3 4 513. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the QUALITY of each food type offered at the Bellingham Food Bank? Use 1 for “low quality” and 5 for “high quality”.8991608001000Low quality High qualityProteins (meats, fish, beans)1 2 3 4 5Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)1 2 3 4 5Dry goods (pasta, rice, cereal)1 2 3 4 5Fresh Vegetables and Fruit1 2 3 4 5Bread and Bakery Items1 2 3 4 514. What categories of food and non-food products do you need that you are not getting now?15. Would you use recipe information about the food you receive here? Yes No No opinion16. Would you use nutrition information about how to eat healthier? Yes No No opinion17. How often are you treated with respect by the people distributing food at the food bank? (Check only one) Every time Most times Sometimes Rarely Never18. How many people live in your household besides you? ______19. What is the highest level of education completed in your household?(Check only one) Completed less than high school Completed high school or equivalent degree (GED) Completed non-college business/trade/technical school or degree Completed some college (two-year college or no degree) Completed college (BA,BS or higher)20. Are you? Renting Buying In Permanent Housing Homeless21. Are you or is anyone in your household currently employed? Yes No22. If “YES”, how many hours/week does your combined household work?_______23. Are you or is someone in your household disabled? Yes No24. On average what is your household’s total monthly income?$_______per month25. Does your household receive assistance from any of these sources? (check all that apply): Free or reduced-price school breakfast or lunchSenior Center meals WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)Meals on WheelsSoup kitchen/free meal programFood StampsHUD rental assistanceTANF Fuel/Heating AssistanceOther____________________26. Do you have health insurance? Yes No27. If yes what type of health insurance do you have? Check all that apply. Medicare Medicaid/DSHS medical coupon Basic Health Private Insurance Military Other________________28. Have you, or anyone in your household, served in the military? Yes No29. If yes, which branch? Check all that apply. Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps Coast Guard 30. Would you like to tell us anything else?Appendix B (Client Feedback)“You're awesome!”“You are appreciated.”“Heartfelt thank you.”“Meat and milk go bad quickly.”“There should be somewhere for old people to warm up.”“I appreciate the service.”“You are great, keep going strong.”“I love the number system for the lines. There are times when we ask for something not on the counter because of your health or medical needs and you are told no. But another person will ask and get it. Can't understand how people can live on 1/2 gallon of milk per 4 children in the house. Thank you all for being here for those of us that can't afford to feed our families on our fixed incomes. THANK YOU.”“Thanks for being a part of the community. We appreciate that you are here for us, we don't like to take advantage, but are grateful you are here when we need it. Blessings to your team for all the hard work.”“You guys are rad, thanks for providing so much to the community and searching for creative solutions to food based need.”“I am really thankful that the food bank is here as a safety net for me. Thanks so much!”“There are still too many folks dropping through the cracks.”“I am very thankful for our Bellingham Food Bank. Thank you to all who volunteer and work here. You are very appreciated.”“Thanks for providing this service to me and many others who need and deserve this help! :)”“During the summer there was boxed cereal that really helped stretch meals for the whole week. When there are not enough potatoes, I usually go without food for 1-2 days. No Sunday bus where I live so I can't access free meals in town. I really appreciate the dozen eggs each week.”“You're the best food bank in the states.”“Thanks for the help after a layoff.”“The people here are awesome. The smiles take away the pain of begging.” ................
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