Support Data Collector Volunteer

Hunger Study Support Data Collector Volunteer

Hunger in America 2014 Study

Feeding America San Diego (FASD), along with 150 Feeding America food banks nationwide, will be participating in the Hunger in America 2014 Survey. This study will result in a nationwide report on the extent and demographics of hunger in the United States, and the information collected will help Feeding America, and its network of food banks, to better understand the agencies they work with to provide hunger relief, and the clients that receive their services.

Hunger in America, also known as the Hunger Study, is the largest study of charitable food assistance in America. HIA 2014 is the most recent in a series of Hunger Studies, which are conducted every four years by Feeding America.

The HIA 2014 study is collecting information on the Feeding America network of food banks and identifying issues faced by both the food bank agencies and the clients they serve. HIA 2014 researchers are gearing up for the second survey of the HIA 2014 study, which will collect information directly from clients at food assistance programs across the country. This is the portion of HIA 2014 where volunteers are most needed. Volunteer data collectors will interact with clients and help obtain information on clients' personal circumstances and needs. Volunteer data collectors will work in teams of at least three people, one Lead Data Collector and two Support Data Collectors to oversee collection of data from clients. For the first time ever, client survey data will be collected online using hand-held devices.

Responsibilities of Support Data Collector Volunteer:

• Participate in training(s) provided by FASD
• Travel to FASD partner agencies as assigned by the Hunger Study Coordinators and/or Lead Data Collector
• Identify eligible survey participants by following the sampling plan created by the Westat Research Team
• Explain the Hunger in America 2014 study to clients selected to take the survey
• Set up Clients with Dell tablets and explain how to use the audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) system
• Troubleshoot technical issues that may arise
• Assist with client counting, sampling clients, and answering any questions clients might have while completing the survey
• Volunteers bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese and/or Russian highly desired

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older
• Must have reliable transportation
• Available to work occasional weekends and evenings
• Able to carry equipment (tablet computer and headphones) and supplies, up to 25 lbs
• Able to attend volunteer training session(s)

Training

FASD will provide a half-day training for all Hunger Study Data Collectors. You must attend one of the following dates. If these dates are incompatible with your schedule, please let us know.

• Thursday, March 28, 2013 from 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 4 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

You will be provided with hands-on training with computer tablets that will be used to collect data from clients. FASD will review protocols provided by Feeding America in conducting surveys and general data collection techniques.

Time commitment:

• Volunteer with FASD on a regular weekly basis for four months, from April 15^th to August 30^th 2013
• Commit to shifts of 4 to 6 hours, on a regular weekly basis

How you will benefit:

• Gain valuable internship-level experience working on the largest study of charitable food assistance in America.
• Develop leadership skills working in coordination with a team of at least two others.
• Data collected will increase awareness about the state of hunger in San Diego county and contribute to knowledge of the state of hunger and poverty across the United States.
• Be able to state that you have volunteered with FASD for over 80 hours!