Attachment G.2 Recruitment FAQ Sheet for Focus Groups

Attachment G.2 Recruitment FAQ Sheet for Focus Groups

OMB Control No.: 0584-0524

Expiration Date: 12/31/2022

Summer EBT Evaluation Focus Group FAQ

What is the Summer EBT Project Evaluation about? The Summer EBT Evaluation is a study to learn how these projects have benefited children. FNS has funded a team of researchers from Abt Associates to conduct this evaluation. As part of this evaluation, they are inviting people like you to attend a focus group and share your experience participating in the Summer EBT project. We will also be talking with project staff and local businesses to learn about their experience as well!

I am a parent/caregiver. What do you need me to do for this study? Participate in a focus group to share your opinions and discuss your experiences with the project! It is important that the views of participating families are represented in this study.

What is the focus group? An experienced researcher will lead a discussion with you and other focus group participants. This researcher will ask questions about your experiences participating in the Summer EBT project. For example, they will ask questions about how families in your area heard about the project. They will also ask questions about how the project could be improved. There are no right or wrong answers to focus group questions. We want to hear the many varying viewpoints and would like for everyone to contribute their thoughts.

What about my privacy? Your comments, and those of others in the group, will be used in a summary report for FNS. We will NOT use your names or other personally identifiable information that you share during the focus group in the report. No information will be shared outside of the research team except as otherwise required by law. Your participation is voluntary. This means you do not have to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. You can also leave the room at any time, but we encourage you to stay for the full time of the focus group, so we can be sure to include all of your valuable opinions. This will not affect your participation in the Summer EBT project or receipt of the $25 incentive.

How long will the focus group be? Focus groups will last about 60 minutes. If you are eligible and participate in the focus group you can also receive $25 as a token of our appreciation.

Where will the focus group take place?

Focus groups will be held in your community, in an easily accessible location. Pandemic Note: We will participate with appropriate social distancing protocols in place, or you may choose to attend virtually.

Why should I participate in the focus group? Your opinions and experience with the project are really important and will help us understand the project better. By taking part in a focus group, you can provide valuable feedback that FNS can use to make this project run better for families like yours. Information from this focus group will also help FNS better serve children during the summer, not only in your State but throughout the country.

Who can participate? To be eligible you must be 18 years or older and be a parent or caregiver of a school-aged child that has received the Summer EBT benefits.

Who can I contact for more information? If you are interested in participating in a focus group, please contact ____ at ___ or ______ !

REVERSE SIDE OF FAQs

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is conducting this study to obtain information about the experiences of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Project by grantees, retailers, school districts and participants. Participation in this study is voluntary and the information collected will be used to understand how Summer EBT projects are implemented in varying settings. This study does not collect personally identifiable information. Information collected in this study will be kept private to the full extent permitted by law. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-0524. The time required to provide this information collection is estimated to average 1 minute per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: USDA/Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Policy Support, 1320 Braddock Place, 5th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314 ATTN: PRA (0584-0524) .