Article Title

Evaluation of the Demographics, Socioeconomics, and Satisfaction Levels of Recipients at a Rural Food Bank

Authors

Michael J. Lyman MSW, Ph.D., Shippensburg UniversityFollow
Jeongah Seo BSW, Shippensburg University

Abstract

The present study assesses the demographics, socioeconomics, behaviors, environment, and satisfaction of food bank clients as a way to inform food bank administrators about where their services could be more efficiently focused. Unfortunately, very little has been published in the research literature about levels of recipient satisfaction at food banks in any settings, but especially in rural settings. This descriptive study used existing demographic and socioeconomic data from intake forms at a rural food bank, in addition to the responses of a convenience sample of 44 foodbank recipients to the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). The data were used to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of recipients at a rural food bank and their satisfaction level with services provided. Findings indicate high levels of satisfaction among these food bank recipients. Also, small older-adult-dominated households reported higher overall income than larger households with working parents and children. Findings suggest that food banks focus their efforts, especially outreach, on the needs of young families who do not receive regular government benefits such as Social Security.

Recommended Citation

Lyman, Michael J. MSW, Ph.D. and Seo, Jeongah BSW (2015) "Evaluation of the Demographics, Socioeconomics, and Satisfaction Levels of Recipients at a Rural Food Bank," Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal: Vol. 7: No. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61611/2165-4611.1082
Available at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/crsw/vol7/iss2/4