2017 Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey

Transcription

1 2017 Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Prepared for: Prepared by:

2 2017 Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Table of Contents Background and Method... 4 Executive Summary... 5 Section A: Awareness, Perceptions & Satisfaction with Food Banks Canada... 7 Familiarity with Food Banks Canada... 8 Satisfaction With Performance... 9 Value Provided By Food Banks Canada Perceptions of Food Banks Canada Perceptions Regarding the Work that Food Banks Canada Does Food Banks Canada Staff Receiving Information Preferences Food Banks Canada and Support For Your Organization Satisfaction with Performance of Your Provincial Food Bank Association Value Provided By Provincial Association Perceptions of Your Provincial Association Section B: Priorities Food Banks Canada Priorities Ability to Meet Your Mission Factors Preventing You From Reaching Your Mission Value of Food Banks Canada Initiatives Food Banks Canada Priorities Section C: Grants and Services Incidence of Applying to Food Banks Canada Granting Program Reasons For Not Applying to a Food Banks Canada Granting Program Section D: Food... 28

3 Foods Distributed Food Distributed 2017 versus Desired Food Types Road Blocks to Providing Other Types of Food Section E: Operations Information Related to Volunteers Information Related to Volunteers (Cont d) Top Priorities Impact of Various Factors Other Factors Having an Impact on Your Organization Final Comments Demographics... 40

4 2017 Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey - Final Report - Background and Methodology Food Banks Canada is the national association that represents the food bank community across Canada. The Food Banks Canada network is made up of ten (10) Provincial Associations and approximately 550 affiliate food banks. This document reports the findings of the 2017 survey of the food bank network in Canada. The previous survey was conducted in The 2017 questionnaire replicated elements of the 2014 research. The questionnaire was subdivided into the following sections: Section A: Awareness, Perceptions & Satisfaction with Food Banks Canada Section B: Priorities Section C: Grants and Services Section D: Food Section E: Operations Demographics invitations were sent by Food Banks Canada to 10 provincial associations and approximately 530 affiliate food banks. The invitation contained a link to an online survey. Fieldwork for this survey ran from March 20 th to April 10 th. The survey was made available to respondents in both English and French. A total of 258 completed surveys were tabulated. This represents a response rate of 49% which is considerably higher than our predicted 30% response rate. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 4

5 2017 Survey Distribution and Results Commentary In 2017, the network survey was sent to 10 provincial associations and approximately 530 affiliate food banks across the network via e- mail (it was not sent to food banks that do not have access to internet which would have totaled approximately 550 food banks.) o One survey was sent to each individual organization, requesting one staff member (typically the most senior employee or designate) or volunteer to complete the survey. In previous years having just one survey returned for each organization this was not a stipulation. o 258 questionnaires were completed (48%) versus 238 completed in Top Box versus Top Two Boxes In the charts and tables throughout the report reference is made to both the top box score and the score of the top two boxes. For example, the percent who agree strongly and percent who agree strongly/ agree somewhat. While the top box score demonstrates a strong commitment we generally believe that the top two boxes are more indicative of, in this case, agreement. We know that some respondents are hesitant to express their full approval on a given subject and tend to be more reserved in their judgements. The advantage of using the top two boxes is that we measure the level of total agreement regardless whether is expressed as strong or somewhat. Margin of Error With a total sample of 258, the margin of error is plus or minus 6.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. If, for example, 50% of the respondents say that they agree with a particular statement, then we can be reasonably sure (19 times out of 20) of an accuracy within +/- 6.2%. This means that a total census of all members would reveal an answer of not less than 43.8% and not more than 56.2%. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 5

6 Profile and perception Executive Summary A very large majority (98%) of respondents believe Food Banks Canada to be a credible organization and they are proud to be a provincial association/affiliate food bank (95%). More than nine-in-ten (95%) respondents say the organization provides value as a national association. Respondents also believe that it keeps them informed (87%), and its programs and services are valuable (88%). Provincial associations The percentage of respondents in 2017 (89%) who are satisfied (very/somewhat) with the performance of their Provincial Food Bank Association is down from 2014 (98%). In general, satisfaction (very/somewhat) increased from 2011 to 2014 and then dropped in 2017, but not back to 2011 levels. A substantial majority (95%) of respondents say the provincial association provides a lot or some value representing the food bank community across the province. Those who perceive a lot of value has increased steadily since Priorities and abilities Nine-out-of-ten respondents (90%) thought that influencing government policy to reduce the need for food banks is very important work. This was followed by raising funds to share with food banks nationally (86%), followed by raising food to share nationally (79%). Respondents give the highest score of value (a lot/some) of the Food Banks Canada initiatives to the HungerCount Report (92%), followed by the National Food Sharing System, the National Retail Food Program, and Fundraising. Food banks that feel completely able to meet their goals fell from 2014 (44%) to 2017 (36%). The share of respondents that scored their ability as 4-out-of-5 rose from 32% in 2014 to 43% in The number one priority, by a considerable margin, is acquiring more nutritious food (46%). One-in-four respondents say that increasing fundraising revenue and expanding their infrastructure are their top priorities. The fourth highest priority was acquiring more food to meet community needs. Increasing competition for donor support and requests for more fresh/perishable products are thought to have the greatest impact over the next three to five years. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 6

7 Section A: Awareness, Perceptions & Satisfaction with Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 7

8 Question A1- In general, how familiar are you with Food Banks Canada? Familiarity with Food Banks Canada Very familiar Somewhat familiar 38% 38% 44% 52% 54% 48% Familiarity with Food Bank Canada remains strong, with nine-in-ten (90%) respondents saying they are very or somewhat familiar with the organization. This is similar to the levels of familiarity seen in 2014 and Not very familiar 8% 7% 7% % 2011 Not at all familiar 1% 0% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 8

9 Satisfaction with Performance Question A2- Overall, how satisfied are you with the performance of Food Banks Canada as national organization? Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not very satisfied Not at all satisfied 8% 6% 8% 0% 1% 2% % 40% 44% 45% 49% 44% Overall, 84% respondents indicate they are very or somewhat satisfied with the performance of Food Banks Canada as a national organization. This represents a very slight decrease from 2011 and This year there was a slight increase in those who say they don t know. 8% Don t know 4% 2% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 9

10 Value Provided By Food Banks Canada Question A3- Overall, how much value does Food Banks Canada provide? As a national association that represents the food bank community across Canada A lot of value 60% 62% 63% Some value 33% 34% 32% Over nine-in-ten (95%) respondents indicate Food Banks Canada provides a lot or some value as a national association that represents the food bank community across the country. Three-in-five (63%) indicate that the association provides a lot of value. These numbers are in keeping with those of 2014 and To your organization specifically A lot of value 32% 32% 31% Some value 47% 49% 49% Eight-in-ten (80%) say that Food Banks Canada provides a lot/some value to their organization, specifically. This is consistent with 2014 and Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 10

11 Perceptions of Food Banks Canada Question A5- Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with how well each of the following statements describes Food Banks Canada Percent Who Agree Strongly Is a credible organization 64% 74% 78% Is an organization I am proud to be affiliated with 56% 71% 74% Keeps me informed about issues and available resources 45% 56% 47% Understands the work that I do 40% 42% 46% Has services and programs that are valuable to my organization 36% 39% 39% Provides me with resources to assist me in my work 33% 34% 35% Understands the challenges that my organization faces NA NA 35% This year, we see an improvement in perceptions of Food Banks Canada on a number of dimensions e.g. is a credible organization, proud to be affiliated with, understands the work that I do. These numbers have grown consistently since Percent Who Agree Strongly/Somewhat Is a credible organization 93% 95% 98% Is an organization I am proud to be affiliated with 84% 93% 95% Keeps me informed about issues and available resources 84% 87% 87% Understands the work that I do 83% 83% 84% Has services and programs that are valuable to my organization 82% 87% 88% Provides me with resources to assist me in my work 81% 83% 79% Understands the challenges that my organization faces NA NA 75% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 11

12 Perceptions Regarding the Work that Food Banks Canada Does Question A6- Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with how well each of the following statements describes the work Food Banks Canada does. Percent Who Agree Strongly Effectively advocates nationally to make an impact on hunger in Canada 53% 60% 64% Conducts useful, informative research 49% 47% 53% Works to increase the amount of funds donated to the food bank network 44% 44% 58% Offers services and programs that have a positive impact on the hunger relief network NA NA 52% Works to increase food donations made to the food bank network 49% 53% 57% Percent Who Agree Strongly/Somewhat Effectively advocates nationally to make an impact on hunger in Canada 87% 94% 94% Conducts useful, informative research 90% 90% 91% Works to increase the amount of funds donated to the food bank network 77% 82% 90% Offers services and programs that have a positive impact on the hunger relief network NA NA 90% Works to increase food donations made to the food bank network 86% 91% 89% The positive perceptions of the work Food Banks Canada have remained consistent or grown slightly stronger over the past two studies. With one exception, the perceptions that respondents indicated agree strongly/somewhat were 90% or higher. The question whether the organization Works to increase the amount of funds donated to the food bank network showed a large strongly agree increase from 2014 (44%) to 2017 (58%). A new question was asked in 2017 of whether Food Banks Canada Offers services and programs that have a positive impact on the hunger relief network. Nine-out-of-ten respondents (90%) agreed (strongly/somewhat) with this statement. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 12

13 Food Banks Canada Staff Question A7- Thinking about your own experience or what you have heard, please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statements about Food Banks Canada staff. Percent Who Agree Strongly Food Banks Canada staff are courteous and friendly 55% 69% 67% Food Banks Canada staff are responsive to questions/concerns 41% 51% 56% Food Banks Canada staff are able to help solve problems and issues 30% 39% 46% Food Banks Canada staff are willing to listen to suggestions 30% 39% 55% Percent Who Agree Strongly/Somewhat Food Banks Canada staff are courteous and friendly 77% 94% 96% Food Banks Canada staff are responsive to questions/concerns 74% 88% 90% Food Banks Canada staff are able to help solve problems and issues 67% 84% 87% Food Banks Canada staff are willing to listen to suggestions 67% 88% 88% Positive perceptions of Food Banks Canada staff remained as strong as 2014 or slightly increased. Almost all respondents agree (strongly/ somewhat) that Food Banks Canada staff is courteous and friendly (96%). This shows continuous improvement from 2011 (77%) and 2014 (94%). Nine-in-ten agree staff are willing to listen to suggestions (88%) and are responsive to questions/ concerns (90%). Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 13

14 Receiving Information Preferences Question A8- How would you prefer to receive information about upcoming activities? Webinars 22% 96% Respondents were almost unanimous (96%) that they preferred to receive information about upcoming activities via . Print mail Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter Conference calls 20% 17% 13% Only one-in-five viewed webinars (22%) or print mail (20%) favourably. The desire for print mail decreased substantially from Social media and conference calls are more popular now than they were in Fax 1% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 14

15 Food Banks Canada and Support for Your Organization Question A9- What can the Food Banks Canada national office be doing to better support your organization? Need better accessibility, support, responsiveness, and communication 28% Need more, better quality food, money (including grants) and support for the needy 17% No issues/already doing a good job Work more with governments, local health units and national food chains for better outcomes 9% 15% This was an open-ended question. We have taken the responses and grouped them into categories. Continue to support and/or consider the needs of specific regions and cultures, e.g. Rural, French and First Nations Better support for smaller and rural food banks Build more awareness and advocacy for food banks Offer services and answers in French 5% 4% 3% 1% The greatest percentage of verbatim responses focused on the need for better accessibility, support, responsiveness, and communication. This was followed by the stated needs for more and better quality food, money (including grants), and support for the needy. Don't know/ no comment 16% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 15

16 Satisfaction with Performance of Your Provincial Food Bank Association Question A10- Overall, how satisfied are you with the performance of your Provincial Food Bank Association? Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not very satisfied 3% 8% 13% 25% 33% 39% 44% % 65% While the percentage of respondents in 2017 who are very satisfied with performance of their Provincial Food Bank Association remained consistent with 2014, we do note a decrease in those who are somewhat satisfied. At the same time, there has been an increase in the not very satisfied levels. Not at all satisfied 0% 2% 4% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 16

17 Value Provided By Provincial Association Question A11- Overall, how much value does your Provincial Food Bank Association provide? As a Provincial Food Bank Association that represents the food bank community across the province? A lot of value 52% 71% 77% Some value 34% 25% 18% When it comes to their Provincial Food Bank Association, a strong majority (95%) of respondents say the association provides a lot or some value representing the food bank community across the province. Those who perceive a lot of value has increased substantially since (52% to 77%). To your organization specifically? A lot of value 42% 61% 62% Some value 41% 32% 29% Just over nine-in-ten (91%) indicate their provincial association provides a lot or some value to their organization specifically. We saw a marked increase in the provision of a lot of value in This has been maintained in Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 17

18 Perceptions of Your Provincial Association Question A12- Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your provincial association Percent Who Agree Strongly My provincial association understands the work that my organization does 66% 69% My provincial association provides me with resources to assist in my work 54% 62% My provincial association keeps me informed about issues and available resources 68% 65% My provincial association has programs and services that are valuable to my organization 53% 61% I have a good understanding of the role of my provincial association 60% 64% Percent Who Agree Strongly/Somewhat Agree My provincial association understands the work that my organization does 93% 93% My provincial association provides me with resources to assist in my work 91% 88% My provincial association keeps me informed about issues and available resources 93% 88% My provincial association has programs and services that are valuable to my organization 88% 87% I have a good understanding of the role of my provincial association 89% 92% When it comes to their Provincial Food Bank Association, the percentage of respondents that strongly agreed with the questions asked increased across the board from The biggest increases in 2017 compared with 2014 were with my provincial association provides me with resources to assist in my work, (62% from 54%) and my provincial association has programs and services that are valuable to my organization, (61% from 53%). The only exception was my provincial association keeps me informed about issues and available resources. This saw a slight drop in 2017 compared to 2014 (65% and 68% respectively.) Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 18

19 Section B: Priorities Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 19

20 Food Banks Canada Priorities Question B1 - Food Banks Canada is working with the food bank network to relieve hunger in Canada every day. The following priorities are associated with realizing this work, please indicate how important you believe each priority to be. Influencing government policy to create solutions that will reduce the need for food banks Raise funds to share with food banks nationally Raising food to share with food banks nationally 90% 86% 79% 9% 12% 18% Nine-out-of-ten respondents (90%) thought that influencing government policy to reduce the need for food banks is very important work. This was followed by raising funds to share with food banks nationally (86%), followed by raising food to share nationally (79%). Delivering services and support to Canadian food banks 75% 22% Investing in increased capacity of the food bank network to raise food and funds 74% 25% Very Important Somewhat Important Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 20

21 Ability to Meet Your Mission Question B2- Thinking about your organization s current resource levels, please indicate to what degree you are able to meet your mission (as it relates to food) where 5 means completely able and 1 means not at all able Completely able 44% 36% 4 32% 43% 3 23% 19% 2 1% 2% 1 Not at all able 0% 0% Food banks that feel completely able to meet their goals fell from 2014 (44%) to 2017 (36%). The share of respondents that scored their ability as 4-out-of-5 rose from 32% in 2014 to 43% in Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 21

22 Factors Preventing You from Reaching Your Mission Question B3- You indicated that your organization is not able to completely meet its mission (as it relates to food) with current resource levels. Please indicate which of the following are preventing you from meeting your mission. Lack of funds 56% Lack of space 47% Lack of food Lack of infrastructure required (e.g. warehouse equipment, racking, refrigeration) Lack of needed vehicles and transportation Do not have enough staff 27% 31% 42% 41% For the 64% of respondents that felt less than completely able to meet their goals, the top four reasons cited were: lack of funds (56%), lack of space (47%), lack of food (42%), and lack of infrastructure required (41%). Lack of time with current volunteer/staff levels 24% Do not have enough volunteers 18% Lack of expertise among volunteers and/or staff 10% Current program(s) don t meet client needs 10% Other 22% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 22

23 Value of Food Banks Canada Initiatives Question B4- Please rate the value provided to the food bank network by the following Food Banks Canada initiatives: HungerCount report National Food Sharing System National Retail Food Program Fundraising 59% 48% 46% 42% 26% 28% 33% 33% 16% 16% 14% 8% 10% 10% 10% Respondents gave the highest value score (a lot/some) of the Food Banks Canada initiatives to the HungerCount Report (92%), followed by the National Food Sharing System, the National Retail Food Program, and Fundraising. Hunger Awareness Week National conference 41% 35% 32% 36% 26% 18% 5% 7% We note a lack of awareness for some of the initiatives, in particular, Every Plate Full and Government Relations toolkits. Government Relations toolkits/position papers etc 30% 41% 14% 15% Every Plate Full 22% 32% 27% 19% A lot of value Some value Not very much/no value Not aware of this program Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 23

24 Food Banks Canada Priorities Question B5- Thinking about all of the ways that Food Banks Canada can support your efforts to help Canadians who need food assistance, how much of a priority do you think Food Banks Canada should place on the following? [From the following list, please select your top five priorities.] Raising funds to share nationally Acquiring large scale industry food donations and sharing them nationally Offering discounted pricing / bulk buy opportunities for top-needed food items Advocating with the federal government to find solutions to hunger 52% 50% 61% 63% Raising awareness of the hunger issue in Canada 38% Offering discounted pricing for commonly needed infrastructure needs (e.g. refrigeration, transportation, warehouse equipment) Supporting a unified and effective network of Food Banks Performing research on the level of food bank use in Canada (e.g. HungerCount) Developing public fundraising campaigns that can be leveraged locally (e.g. Every Plate Full) Conducting national cause marketing campaigns with corporate partners to raise awareness of hunger and funds to share with the food bank Developing education opportunities for staff and volunteers of food banks (e.g. conferences, webinars, workshops, food safety) Developing tools and resources for food banks to use in their operations (e.g. governance guidelines, advocacy toolkit, how-to manuals, Offering discounted pricing for common administrative expenses (e.g. insurance, health benefits, technology, office supplies etc ) Providing networking opportunities for food bank staff and volunteers to meet and learn from others in the network Developing tools and resources for food banks to distribute to clients (e.g. handouts, resource booklets, recipes, nutrition information) Developing tools and resources for food banks to use in their communications and marketing (e.g. key messages, advertising creative 28% 24% 24% 20% 20% 18% 14% 14% 12% 12% 35% This question was asked in 2014 but reformulated this year so as to make it easier for respondents to answer. The two top priorities in 2017 are raising funds to share nationally (63%) and acquiring large scale industry food donations and sharing them nationally (61%). Second tier priorities include: offering discounted pricing (52%) and advocating with the federal government to find solutions to hunger. Managing national initiatives like Hunger Awareness Week 9% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 24

25 Section C: Grants and Services Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 25

26 Incidence of Applying to Food Banks Canada Granting Program Question C1- Have you ever applied to a Food Banks Canada granting program (e.g. Capacity Boost, Retail Capacity, Kitchen Creations, +Fresh Community Gardens, Rural Transportation)? Yes 45% 57% No 45% 35% Don t know 10% 9% The number of respondents that have ever applied to a Food Banks Canada granting program increased from 2014 (45%) to 2017 (57%). Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 26

27 Reasons for Not Applying to a Food Banks Canada Granting Program Question C2- You have indicated that you have not applied to a Food Banks Canada granting program. Please indicate why you have not applied. Didn t know this existed 40% Didn t think my organization would qualify Current granting programs don t match my organization s priorities Food Banks Canada s granting programs don t apply to my organization Didn t have the time 12% 11% 19% 33% The biggest reason for respondents not applying to a Food Banks Canada program was that they did not know the programs existed (40%), followed by their thinking that their organization would not qualify (33%). Application form/process is too complex 8% Didn t think it was worth it 6% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 27

28 Section D: Food Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 28

29 Foods Distributed Question D1- Please indicate which of the following foods are distributed by your organization. Non-perishable/shelf-stable (e.g. canned goods, pasta, cereals) Fresh food not requiring refrigeration (e.g. potatoes, onions) Fresh food requiring refrigeration (e.g. meat, dairy, eggs,) 91% 90% 99% Frozen food (e.g. fruit, vegetables, meat, frozen meals) Child-specific foods (e.g. formula, baby food) Diet specific foods (e.g. Gluten-free; diabetic) Prepared meals to eat on-site or take home Culturally-specific foods 22% 22% 60% 76% 85% Virtually all respondents distribute non-perishable food. Nine-out-often respondents are distributing fresh food that does not require refrigeration and fresh food that does require refrigeration. The fourth largest food group was frozen food. Other 16% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 29

30 Food Distributed 2017 versus Change+/- Non-perishable/shelf-stable (e.g. canned goods, pasta, cereals) 99% 99% +0% Fresh food not requiring refrigeration (e.g. potatoes, onions) 86% 91% +5% Fresh food requiring refrigeration (e.g. meat, dairy, eggs,) 83% 90% +7% Frozen food (e.g. fruit, vegetables, meat, frozen meals) 79% 85% +6% Child-specific foods (e.g. formula, baby food) 70% 76% +6% Diet specific foods (e.g. Gluten-free; diabetic) 50% 60% +10% Prepared meals to eat on-site or take home 21% 22% +1% Culturally-specific foods 16% 22% +6% Other 1% 16% +15% The largest increase in types of food distributed from 2014 to 2017 was with other (15%) and diet-specific foods (E.g. gluten-free, diabetic) at 10%. The next biggest increase was with fresh food requiring refrigeration, followed by frozen food and childspecific foods. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 30

31 Desired Food Types Question D2- What types of food would you like to be able to provide more of? Fresh food requiring refrigeration (e.g. meat, dairy, eggs,) 68% Frozen food (e.g. fruit, vegetables, meat, frozen meals) 61% Fresh food not requiring refrigeration (e.g. potatoes, onions) 56% Diet specific foods (e.g. Gluten-free; diabetic) 29% Non-perishable/shelf-stable (e.g. canned goods, pasta, cereals) Child-specific foods (e.g. formula, baby food) Prepared meals to eat on-site or take home 12% 22% 20% The top two food types that respondents would like to provide a greater amount of are fresh food requiring refrigeration and frozen foods. The third food type is fresh food not requiring refrigeration. Culturally-specific foods 11% Other 10% We re satisfied with the types of food that we currently distribute 15% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 31

32 Road Blocks to Providing Other Types of Food Question D3- What is preventing your organization from being able to provide other types of food? Not enough of the desired types of food being donated 60% Financial resources Equipment like fridge / freezer Warehouse capacity Equipment like trucks/transport / 20% 32% 40% 56% The biggest roadblock to not being able to provide more of the food types desired is that not enough of the desired food is being donated. The second impediment is lack of financial resources. The third impediment is lack of equipment such as a freezer or refrigerator. Other 9% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 32

33 Section E: Operations Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 33

34 Information Related to Volunteers Question E1- Please indicate how much you agree with each of the following statements. We currently have enough volunteers to effectively manage operations Some of the work can be physically challenging for some volunteers (i.e. lifting boxes, etc.) We have a small core group of volunteers that is sometimes overworked 45% 41% 25% 33% 42% 46% 25% 10% 9% 18% 2% 4% Eighty-seven percent of respondents felt they had enough volunteers to function, but 87% also felt that sometimes the work was too physically challenging for some volunteers. Sometimes our organization has trouble recruiting volunteers with specific skills It is sometimes difficult to match what potential volunteers want to do, and the work that needs to be done 13% 12% 38% 41% 24% 25% 24% 23% Almost 6-in10 (58%) felt their core group of volunteers was sometimes overworked, and 51% felt they sometimes had trouble matching the work volunteers wanted to do with the work that needed doing. We have trouble recruiting volunteers 6% 26% 31% 38% We experience high volunteer turnover 3% 10% 41% 47% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 34

35 Information Related to Volunteers (Cont d) Percent Who Agree Strongly We currently have enough volunteers to effectively manage operations NA 45% Some of the work can be physically challenging for some volunteers (i.e. lifting boxes, etc.) 41% 41% We have a small core group of volunteers that is sometimes overworked 22% 25% Sometimes our organization has trouble recruiting volunteers with specific skills 12% 13% It is sometimes difficult to match what potential volunteers want to do, and the work that needs to be done 11% 12% We have trouble recruiting volunteers 10% 6% We experience high volunteer turnover 5% 3% These two tables compare volunteer related information to Essentially perceptions have remained relatively consistent since the previous survey. Percent Who Agree Strongly/Somewhat We currently have enough volunteers to effectively manage operations NA 87% Some of the work can be physically challenging for some volunteers (i.e. lifting boxes, etc.) 83% 87% We have a small core group of volunteers that is sometimes overworked 56% 58% Sometimes our organization has trouble recruiting volunteers with specific skills 51% 51% It is sometimes difficult to match what potential volunteers want to do, and the work that needs to be done 53% 63% We have trouble recruiting volunteers 36% 32% We experience high volunteer turnover 19% 13% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 35

36 Top Priorities Question E2- Thinking of the next three years, what are your top priorities as an organization? Acquiring more nutritious food 46% Increasing fundraising revenue Expanding infrastructure and capacity and capacity (e.g. 26% 24% Acquiring more food to meet community needs 19% Maintaining operations at current levels Testing new innovative programs to better serve community Offering cooking and/or nutrition programming Growing our volunteer base Growing awareness of the issue of hunger in the community Growing awareness of our organization in the community Applying new technology to food bank operations Advocating for policy change Improving client intake process Growing our staff team Improving our support to agencies Changing food distribution model (e.g. moving to grocery or Offering job skills training 13% 10% 10% 9% 8% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 2% 2% 0% The number one priority, by a considerable margin, is acquiring more nutritious food (46%). One-in-four respondents say that increasing fundraising revenue and expanding their infrastructure are their top priorities. The fourth highest priority was acquiring more food to meet community needs. Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 36

37 Impact of Various Factors Question E3- Please rate the impact of the following factors on your organization over the past three to five years. Increasing competition for donor support Requests by clients for more fresh/perishable foods A decline in cash donations to your organization Less food being donated to your organization 28% 26% 20% 18% 35% 39% 32% 38% 24% 22% 29% 28% 13% 12% 19% 16% Increasing competition for donor support and requests for more fresh/perishable products are thought to have the greatest impact over the next three to five years. Long-standing volunteers are retiring/difficulty finding new volunteers 15% 31% 32% 23% Requests by clients for more diverse types of food 14% 31% 39% 16% Requests to partner with other organizations in your community 13% 31% 31% 25% Pressure from the community to change the way your organization operates 6% 12% 34% 49% Considerable Moderate Very little No impact Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 37

38 Other Factors Having an Impact on Your Organization Question E4- Are there other factors that have had an impact on your organization over the past three to five years? Increase/significant increase in clients using food banks, due to plant closures, natural disasters, First Nations needs, child poverty etc. 26% Have seen improvements in donations, support 13% Provincial, government and private funding and food donation declines and challenges Space issues, e.g. cost of adequate space 10% 13% The highest percentage of verbatim responses related to an Increase/significant increase in clients using food banks, due to plant closures, natural disasters, First Nations needs, child poverty etc. Accessibility, infrastructure and transportation issues and costs Lack of staffing 7% 9% Comments on the declines in funding and food donations were balanced by more positive comments relating to improvements in donations and support. Need for better planning, governance 3% No/No comment 19% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 38

39 Final Comments Question E5- Is there anything else you would like Food Banks Canada or your Provincial Food Bank Association to know about the work they do, or could be doing, to help your organization or the network of organizations that address hunger? Food Banks Canada leadership and support is much appreciated 20% More logistical support from Food Banks Canada and provincial assns - e.g. food storage, tracking and distribution; planning resources; travel costs 17% Better communications and networking between food banks, and better understanding from Food Banks Canada of local challenges 12% More support for smaller and rural and remote food banks More advocacy for clients to government/the public Simplified and easier grant and funding applications; monetary donations Help building community awareness and communications 7% 7% 6% 6% The greatest percentage of verbatims expressed an appreciation for the work done by Food Banks Canada, followed by a desire for a variety of logistical supports, e.g. food tracking, storage and distribution, as well as planning resources. No comment/ nothing to add 25% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 39

40 Demographics Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 40

41 Your Role Your Primary Work Executive Director Manager/Administrative/Operational staff 35% 34% Administration Food distribution operations Client services 18% 20% 41% Board of directors 12% Fundraising 9% Communications 5% Other 18% Agency relations 4% Prefer not to say 1% Warehouse management 2% Currently a Volunteer or Paid Staff? Primary Work of Organization Food bank primarily direct service to individuals and families 82% 61% 39% Volunteer Paid staff Food bank primarily a distribution centre to other organizations Other social service agency Soup kitchen/meal program 16% 10% 19% Prefer not to say 1% Other 14% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 41

42 Food Distribution Versus Programming/Education Size of Annual Budget $0 - $2,499 2% 16% Food distribution $2,500 - $9,999 $10,000 - $29,999 6% 13% 84% Programming/educatio n $30,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $499,999 $500,000 - $999,999 7% 21% 27% $1,000,000+ 8% Prefer not to say 16% Approximate Number of People Helped in Average Month % 500 1,499 20% 1,500 2,999 3,000 9,999 10, % 8% 6% Prefer not to say 1% Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 42

43 Types of Employees None 1 to 5 6 to to to Paid full time employees 44% 41% 6% 5% 2% 1% Paid part time employees 50% 43% 4% 1% 1% 1% Volunteers 0% 9% 15% 23% 21% 31% Province Community Size Province Percent of Total Responses Number of Responses Newfoundland 2% 6 Less than 10,000 41% New Brunswick 8% 21 Nova Scotia 9% 24 PEI 1% 3 Quebec 5% 13 10,000 to less than 50,000 50,000 to less than 100,000 11% 32% Ontario 29% 73 Manitoba 2% 5 100,000 to less than 500,000 9% Saskatchewan 4% 10 Alberta 21% , % British Columbia 18% 46 Nunavut <.5% 1 Food Banks Canada Food Bank Network Survey Page 43