Methodology
Technical Report
The MHS2024 Technical Report documents how the study was conducted and provides transparency into the methods used to ensure accuracy and reliability, including sample design, weighting, and estimation.
Survey Approach
To capture a representative sample across Michigan, the study used a multi-stage sampling method. Fifty-three partner agencies and distribution sites were selected from across the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) member network. The sample included a mix of large and small agencies in both urban and rural areas, as well as locations serving specific populations such as seniors and minority groups. Agencies were also selected to reflect Michigan’s 10 Prosperity Regions, allowing for regional analysis.
Trained data collectors visited each selected site on assigned survey days between June and September 2024. At each location, they documented participation and randomly selected individuals receiving assistance to complete a detailed survey covering experiences with assistance, household characteristics, health status, income challenges, and food security. This approach produced duplicated counts of people served through the FBCM member network, along with detailed information about the circumstances of those receiving assistance.
Estimating the Full Picture
Estimating how many people are served across the FBCM member network requires distinguishing between duplicated and unique counts. To do this, administrative records were collected from partner agencies that track participation over time. Statistical methods were applied to account for duplication, producing both duplicated counts of visits and unique counts of individuals and households served annually.
This methodology ensures that the findings represent people receiving food assistance through the FBCM member network across Michigan, while also providing insights specific to prosperity regions. Technical details of the sampling, weighting, and estimation procedures are available in the full technical report.