The Hunger in America 2014 data files are the sole property of Feeding America but can be provided to researchers in SAS format by request. Two types of datasets are available for use:
1. The public-use datasets include agency, program and client level data in three separate files that are not linked to one another. Agency and program data can be organized geographically by the four U.S. Census Regions (i.e. Northeast, Midwest, South, and West). Client data includes household level variables but not variables on individual household members. In order to ensure privacy and confidentiality, many variables have been collapsed.
The public-use dataset is available at no charge. Contact [email protected] to request access.
2. The restricted-use datasets include agency, program and client level data in three separate files. These datasets include dummy IDs so that information can be linked within and across datasets (i.e., linking agency and their constituent program data to their client data). Geographical information includes state and FIPS codes. Client data includes household-level variables as well as variables on individual household members.
To request the restricted-use dataset, contact [email protected] to obtain a Data Request Form. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required for requestors. Requests will be granted at the discretion of the Feeding America Research Team, with the assistance of its Technical Advisory Group, for a one-time fee of $1,500 (payable after approval is granted and prior to dataset sharing). Requestors should allow 4-6 weeks for processing and communication of a decision.
Upon approval, requestors and their affiliate organization must sign a Letter of Agreement and will then be allowed to use the dataset for up to five years. Requestors must agree to provide Feeding America the opportunity to review any documents or reports prior to publication submission to check for breaches of confidentiality and proper citations. Users of the restricted-use dataset are prohibited from publishing or otherwise sharing any information that would allow for the identification of data related to specific states, counties, food banks, agencies or programs. Exceptions to this restriction may be granted if approval for such identification is granted by certain Feeding America food banks and/or state associations.
