An important and low-cost source of information is the Food Stamp Information System (FSIS) and Food and Nutrition Services benefits history data collected through the computer systems used to administer the programs. These systems collect a wide range of information on program participants.
Data from these systems are not without their limitations. The data in the files were not designed for policy analysis. Instead, the files were developed to store information efficiently. With a certain amount of effort, extracts from these administrative systems can be massaged into shape and can be an extremely useful tool in examining the impact of program participation.
To construct the database, information from the FNS benefits history file is merged with monthly extracts from the FSIS, and updated on a regular basis. A family who received benefits in a particular month is considered to have participated in the Food and Nutrition Services program. Families are followed once they receive Food and Nutrition Services benefits to determine whether they leave the program and, once they leave, whether they return.
The data and charts in this web site are primarily meant for state and county social services management to understand the dynamics of the Food and Nutrition Services Program. For other interested persons, these frequently asked questions (FAQs) should help interpret the data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food and Nutrition Services Data
Census Data for North Carolina
These data are taken both from the 2000 Census data, and from 1999 Poverty estimates. They can be found at the U.S. Census website, www.census.gov/index.html.
Household Characteristics
What are Employment and Training individuals? Work registration codes are assigned to individuals as they enter the Food and Nutrition Services Program based on their work experience and status.
What are ABAWDS? ABAWDS stand for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.
Food and Nutrition Services Caseload Data for North Carolina by Cohort
What is a cohort and why is this data here? Since thousands of families enter and leave the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program each month, tracking and analyzing what happens to families can be difficult. "Cohorts" are a useful analysis tool. A cohort is simply a group of individuals who have something in common. For instance, the families who began receiving Food and Nutrition Services in January, February and March 2003 are, in this data, considered to be a cohort (1st quarter 2003). The data look at the characteristics of this group, and compare them to other cohorts who entered the Food and Nutrition Services program at other times. We can better see how the Food and Nutrition Services Program is changing the Food and Nutrition Services assistance landscape.
In the table and drop-down list, what does something like "2003_qtr3" mean? In this section, data is labeled by the quarterly cohort it belongs to. Therefore, "2003_qtr3" means the data comes from the third cohort in 2003, where 2003=the year, and qtr3=the 3rd quarter.
The data here are based on two quarterly cohorts from 1998, and four each from 1999 through 2008 (others are added as available). The charts that are generated from this data will spell out differences in how each group experiences Food and Nutrition Services.
Rate of Exit from Food and Nutrition Services
How should I read the chart on the rate of exit from Food and Nutrition Services? This chart depicts how many months families take to leave the Food and Nutrition Services Program. Where the line crosses the 50 percent line, half of the families in that cohort have left FNS. This graph is also available for E&T and non E&T households.
How should I read the chart on the rate of reentry to Food and Nutrition Services? This chart depicts how many months families take to return to the Food and Nutrition Services Program after leaving FNS. Where the line crosses the 20 percent line, one-fifth of the families in that cohort have returned to FNS. This graph is also available for E&T and non E&T households.