Attachment A Test questionnaire CPS FSS

Attachment A
Proposed Food Security Supplement Test Questionnaire

2
TEST QUESTIONNAIRE – SEPTEMBER 2020 FOOD SECURITY SUPPLEMENT
Test Questionnaire to test recommended changes from Census Cognitive Testing
Draft test questionnaire January 3, 2020
NOTE: This test version starts with the 2019 CPS-FSS questionnaire. HRPOOR may need to be updated
before final production in September 2020. Changes from 2018 CPS-FSS to 2019 CPS-FSS
questionnaire: There are updates to the POORCK specification (HRPOOR variable). Three new
household size and income combinations will be screened into the module in 2019 with POOR now equal
to 1 for these groups. Changes are highlighted in yellow below in POORCK specification and shown
here:
NUMHOU=1 and FAMINC=8 set POOR=1
NUMHOU=4 and FAMINC=12 set POOR=1
NUMHOU=5 and FAMINC=13 set POOR=1
NOTE: Update year where appropriate to 2020. Update month where appropriate from December to
September. Changes for test are highlighted in yellow.

SPECIFICATIONS
Set SUPTM
SUPTM is a timer for the entire supplement.
------------------------------------------------------------NOTES:
and are State-specific names for the
SNAP/Food Stamp program.
------------------------------------------------------------POORCK
NUMHOU = 1 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 set POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 2 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 set POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 3 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 set POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 4 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 set POOR=1
else if
NUMHOU = 5 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 set
POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 6 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 set
POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 7 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 set
POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU = 8 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 set
POOR=1 else if
NUMHOU= 9-16 and FAMINC = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15
set POOR=1
else if
Set POOR = 2.
------------------------------------------------------------[LEAD for one-person households] This month we are asking some questions about
food used in your household and the ways you are managing to meet your food
needs.

3
[Lead for two or more person households] This month we are asking some questions
about food used in your household and the ways you are managing to meet your
food needs. (/The best person to answer would be the adult most knowledgeable
about food shopping and meal preparation. Would that be you or someone else?)
[Change respondent if needed and available, otherwise continue with current respondent]
[If group quarters, go to S9]
I. FOOD EXPENDITURES
S1A

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.
These first questions are about all the places at which you bought food LAST
WEEK. By LAST WEEK, I mean from Sunday through Saturday.
First, did (you/anyone in your household) shop for food at a supermarket,
grocery store, Walmart or Target LAST WEEK?
<1>
<2>

Yes
No

Blind or
SCOMPL

If onpath entry, D or R in S1A then set SCOMPL=1 otherwise set SCOMPL=0

S1B

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill
with second option else fill with first option.
Think about other places where people buy food, such as dollar stores,
pharmacies, club stores, farmers markets, or online. Did (you/anyone in your
household) buy food from any stores such as these LAST WEEK?
<1>
<2>

Yes
No

Blind or
S1C

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 6 fill with
second option else fill with first option else fill with first option in first
parenthetical.
If one or more HHMEM=1 with AGE between 6 and 18 then fill second
parenthetical else fill blank.

4
LAST WEEK, did (you/anyone in your household) buy food at a restaurant,
fast food place, cafeteria, deli, convenience store, or vending machine?
(Include any children who may have bought food at the school cafeteria).
<1>
<2>

Yes
No

Blind or
S1D

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.
Did (you/anyone in your household) buy food from any other kind of place
LAST WEEK?
<1>
<2>

Yes
No

Blind or
SCKA

If onpath entry of <2>, or in S1A, S1B, S1C and S1D then skip to S8
else go to SLEAD.

SLEAD

Now I'm going to ask you about the TOTAL amount you spent on food
LAST WEEK in all the places where you bought food. Then, since LAST
WEEK may have been unusual for you, I will ask about the amount you
USUALLY spend.
Proceed

SCKB

If onpath entry of <1> in S1A then ask S2 else skip to SCKC.

S2

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.
If POOR=1 then fill second parenthetical else fill blank.
How much did (you/anyone in your household) spend in total at
supermarkets, grocery stores, Walmart or Target LAST WEEK (including
any purchases made with or food stamp benefits)?
ENTER <0> IF RESPONDENT CAN ONLY GIVE RANGE
$_ _ _.00

5
S2CK

If entry of <0> in S2 goto S2CK1A else store entry in S2O. If S2O is between
$1.00 and $450.00 goto S3A else if S2O is equal to D or R go to SCKC otherwise
go to S2RC.

S2CK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S2O
<1-999> GOTO S2CK1B
GOTO SCKC

S2CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S2O
<1-999> GOTO S2RG
GOTO SCKC

S2RG

Add the entries in S2CK1A and S2CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S2O. If S2O is between $1.00 and $450.00 go to S3A otherwise go to S2RC.

S2RC

*****************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT*******************
Amount spent recorded as: (entry in S2O) Is this entry correct?
<1>
<2>

S2COR

YES (GO TO S3A)
NO (GO TO S2COR)

***************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT****************
Incorrect entry was recorded as:
Correct entry is:

(entry in S2O)

$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S2O)
S3A

How much of the (fill with S2O) was for non-food items, such as pet food,
paper products, alcohol, detergents, or cleaning supplies?
Enter <1> for whole dollar amount (GOTO S3)

6
Enter <2> if respondent can only give range (GOTO S3CK2A)
$_ _ _.00
Blind or (GOTO SCKC)
S3

Enter whole dollar amount
$_ _ _.00
Store amount in S3O
<1-100> GOTO SCKC
<0, ge 101> GOTO S3RC

S3CK2A

******************DO NOT READ TO ESPONDENT*******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S3O
<1-999> GOTO S3CK2B
GOTO SCKC

S3CK2B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S3O
<1-999> GOTO S3RG
GOTO SCKC

S3RG

Add the entries in S3CK2A and S3CK2B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S3O. Do not allow entry in S3O to be greater than entry in S2O. If S3O is
between $1.00 and $100.00 go to SCKC otherwise go to S3RC.

S3RC

*************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT**********************
Amount spent recorded as: (entry in S3O)
Is this entry correct?
<1>
<2>

YES (GO TO SCKC)
NO (GO TO S3COR)

7

S3COR

***************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT******************
Incorrect entry was recorded as:
Correct entry is:

(entry in S3O)

$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S3O)
Do not allow entry in S3O to be greater than entry in S2O.
SCKC

If onpath entry of <1> in S1B then ask S4 else skip to SCKD.

S4

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.
If POOR=1 then fill second parenthetical with first option else fill with blank.
How much did (you/your household) spend at stores such as dollar stores,
pharmacies, club stores, farmers markets, or online LAST WEEK
(including any purchases made with or food stamp
benefits)?
Enter whole dollar amount
Enter <0> if respondent can only give range
$_ _ _.00
Blind or (GO TO SCKD)

S4CK

If entry of <0> in S4 go to S4CK1A else store entry in S4O. If S4O is between
$1.00 and $300.00 go to S5 else if S4O is D or R go to SCKD otherwise go to
S4RC.

S4CK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT*******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S4O
<1-999> GOTO S4CK1B
GOTO SCKD

S4CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent

8
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S4O
<1-999> GOTO S4RG
GOTO SCKD
S4RG

Add the entries in S4CK1A and S4CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S4O. If S4O is between $1.00 and $300.00 go to S5A otherwise go to S4RC.

S4RC

*****************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT******************
Amount spent recorded as: (entry in S4O)
Is this entry correct?
<1> Yes (GO TO S5A)
<2> No (GO TO S4COR)

S4COR

***************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT********************
Incorrect entry was recorded as: (entry in S4O)
Correct entry is:
$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S4O)

S5A

How much of the $(fill with S4O) was for non-food items, such as pet food,
paper products, alcohol, detergents, or cleaning supplies?

Enter <1> for whole dollar amount (GOTO S5)
Enter <2> if respondent can only give range (GOTO S5CK1A)
$_ _ _.00
Blind or (GOTO SCKD)
S5

Enter whole dollar amount
$_ _ _.00
Store amount in S5O
<1-100> GOTO SCKD
GOTO S5RC

S5CK1A

******************DO NOT READ TO ESPONDENT*******************

9

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S5O
<1-999> GOTO S5CK1B
GOTO SCKD
S5CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S5O
<1-999> GOTO S5RG
GOTO SCKD

S5RG

Add the entries in S5CK1A and S5CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S5O. Do not allow entry in S5O to be greater than entry in S4O. If S5O is
between $1.00 and 100.00 go to SCKD else go to S5RC.

S5RC

***************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT***************
Amount spent recorded as : (entry in S5O)
Is this entry correct?
<1>
<2>

S5COR

Yes (GO TO SCKD)
No (GO TO S5COR)

***************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT*******************
Incorrect entry was recorded as:
Correct entry is:

(entry in S5O)

$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S5O)
Do not allow entry in S5O to be greater than entry in S4O.
SCKD

If entry of <1> in S1C then ask S6 else skip to SCKE

S6

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.

10
How much did (you/your household) spend for food at restaurants, fast food
places, cafeterias, delis, convenience stores, and vending machines LAST
WEEK, not including alcohol purchases (including any purchases made with
(SNAP/ Food Supplement Program) or food stamp benefits)?
Enter whole dollar amount
Enter <0> if respondent can only give range
$_ _ _.00
Blind or
If entry is 1-999, D, or R store in S6O
<0> GOTO S6CK1A
<1-200, D, R> GOTO SCKE
GOTO S6RC
S6CK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S6O
<1-999> GOTO S6CK1B
GOTO SCKE

S6CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S6O
<1-999> GOTO S6RG
GOTO SCKE

S6RG

Add the entries in S6CK1A and S6CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S6O. If S6O is between $1.00 and $200.00 go to SCKE else go to S6RC.

S6RC

***************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT*****************
Amount spent recorded as : (entry in S6O)
Is this entry correct?
<1>

Yes (GO TO SCKE)

11
<2>
S6COR

No (GO TO S6COR)

**************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT********************
Incorrect entry was recorded as:
Correct entry is:

(entry in S6O)

$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S6O)
SCKE

If entry of <1> in S1D then ask S7 else skip to SCKF.

S7

If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill with
second option else fill with first option.
How much did (you/your household) spend for food at any other kind of
place LAST WEEK?
Enter whole dollar amount
Enter <0> if respondent can only give range
$_ _ _.00
Blind or
If entry is 1-999, D, or R store in S7O
<0> GOTO S7CK1A
<1-150> GOTO SCKF
GOTO S7RC
GOTO SCKF

S7CK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S7O
<1-999> GOTO S7CK1B
GOTO SCKF

S7CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S7O

12

<1-999> GOTO S7RG
GOTO SCKF
S7RG

Add the entries in S7CK1A and S7CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S7O. If S7O is between $1.00 and $150.00 go to SCKF otherwise go to S7RC.

S7RC

*************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT**********************
Amount spent recorded as: (entry in S7O)
Is this entry correct?
<1>
<2>

S7COR

YES (GO TO SCKF)
NO (GO TO S7COR)

**************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT*******************
Incorrect entry was recorded as:
Correct entry is:

(entry in S7O)

$_ _ _.00 (store entry in S7O)
SCKF

If any amounts 0 or over in S2O, S4O, S6O or S7O then add together and store in
SFDAMT. If any amounts 0 or over in S3O or S5O, then add these together and
store in SNFAMT. Subtract SNFAMT from SFDAMT and store the result in
S8O.

S8A

If (entry of D or R in S2, S4, S6, and S7) or (S8O equals 0) or (onpath entry of
<2>, , or in S1A, S1B, S1C and S1D) then fill first parenthetical with
first option else fill with second option.
If more than one HHMEM=1 has an AGE equal to or greater than 10 fill
remaining parentheticals with second option else fill with first.
If POOR= 1 fill last parenthetical with first option else fill with blank.
(Let's see, it seems that (you/your household) did not buy any food LAST
WEEK. /Let's see, (you/your household) spent about (fill with S8O) on food
LAST WEEK.) Now think about how much (you/anyone in your household)
USUALLY (spend/spends). How much (do you/does your household)
USUALLY spend on food at all the different places we've been talking about
IN A WEEK? (Please include any purchases made with or
food stamp benefits). Do not include non-food items such as pet food, paper
products, detergent or cleaning supplies.

13
Enter <1> for whole dollar amount
Enter <2> if respondent can only give range
Blind or
If entry is D or R store in S8OU
<1> GOTO S8
<2> GOTO S8CK1A
GOTO S9
S8

Enter whole dollar amount
$_ _ _.00
Store amount in S8OU

<0> GOTO S8ZA
<1-450> GOTO S8B
GOTO S8RC
GOTO S9
S8CK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8OU
<1-999> GOTO S8CK1B
GOTO S9

S8CK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8OU
<1-999> GOTO S8RG
GOTO S9

S8RG

Add the entries in S8CK1A and S8CK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S8OU. If S8OU is between $1.00 and $450.00 go to S8B otherwise go to S8RC.

S8ZA

If that is because you shop for food only once in awhile, how much would you
say you spend in total in a month?

14
NOTE: This question previously asked “If that is because you shop for food
infrequently, how much would the weekly average be over several weeks?”. The
previous version asked the respondent to determine the weekly average. The new
question asks the respondent how much they spend in a month. The survey
software instrument will then calculate the weekly average for the respondent.
Census will need to provide guidance on how this change should be reflected in
the interviewer instructions below. We still want to enter a weekly average in the
data even though the question now asks for a monthly average.
Enter <1> for whole dollar amount or if the amount really is zero
Enter <2> if respondent can only give range
Blind or
If entry is D or R store in S8OU
<1> GOTO S8Z
<2> GOTO S8ZCK1A
GOTO S9
S8Z

Enter whole dollar amount
$_ _ _.00
Store amount in S8OU NOTE: Divide by 4 before storing in S8OU (see note at
top of page 14)?
<0> GOTO S8RC
<1-450> GOTO S8B
GOTO S8RC

S8ZCK1A

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8OU
<1-999> GOTO S8ZCK1B
GOTO S9

S8ZCK1B

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8OU
<1-999> GOTO S8ZRG

15
GOTO S9
S8ZRG

Add the entries in S8ZCK1A and S8ZCK1B and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S8OU. NOTE: Divide by 4 before storing in S8OU (see note at top of page 14)?
If S8OU is between $1.00 and $450.00 go to S8B otherwise go to S8RC.

S8RC

*************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT********************
Amount spent recorded as: (entry in S8OU)
Is this entry correct?
<1>
<2>

S8COR

Yes (GO TO S8B)
No (GO TO S8COR)

*************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT********************
Incorrect entry was recorded as: (entry in S8OU)
Correct entry is:
$ _ _ _ _.00

II. MINIMUM SPENDING NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH FOOD
S8B

If NUMHOU = 1 then fill parenthetical with first option else fill with second
option.
In order to buy just enough food to meet (your needs/the needs of your
household), would you need to spend more than you do now, or could you
spend less?
************************DO NOT READ************************
<1> More (GO TO S8C)
<2> Less (GO TO S8D)
<3> Same (GO TO S9)
Blind or (GO TO S9)

S8C

About how much MORE would you need to spend each week to buy just
enough food to meet the needs of your household?
Enter whole dollar amount
Enter <0> if respondent can only give range
$_ _ _.00

16
Blind or
If entry is 1-999, D, or R store in S8CO
<0> GOTO S8CCKA
<1-999, D, R> GOTO S9
S8CCKA

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************
Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8CO
<1-999> GOTO S8CCKB
GOTO S9

S8CCKB

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8CO
<1-999> GOTO S8CRG
GOTO S9

S8CRG

Add the entries in S8CCKA and S8CCKB and divide by 2. Store the answer in
S8CO. GOTO S9.

S8D

About how much LESS could you spend each week and still buy enough food
to meet the needs of your household?
Enter whole dollar amount
Enter <0> if respondent can only give range
$_ _ _.00
Blind or
If entry is 1-999, D, or R store in S8DO
<0> GOTO S8DCKA
<1-999, D, R> GOTO S9

S8DCKA

**************DO NOT READ TO RESPONDENT *******************

17

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8DO
<1-999> GOTO S8DCKB
GOTO S9
S8DCKB

Enter range reported by respondent
_ _ _.00
If entry is D or R, store in S8DO
<1-999> GOTO S8DRG
GOTO S9

S8DRG

Add the entries in S8DCKA and S8DCKB and divide by 2. Store the calculated
value in S8DO. GOTO S9.

18
III. FOOD SUFFICIENCY AND FOOD SECURITY
S9_Lead

The next questions are about the food eaten in your household in the last 12
months, since September of last year, and whether you were able to afford
the food you need.

S9

In the last 12 months, since September of last year, did you ever run short of
money and try to make your food or your food money go further?
<1> Yes (GO TO SS1)
<2 > No (GO TO SS1)
Blind or (GO TO SS1)

If NUMHOU = 1 then fill parenthetical with first option else fill with second
option.
SS1

Which of these statements best describes the food eaten in your household-enough of the kinds of food (I/ we) want to eat, enough but not always the
kinds of food (I/ we) want to eat, sometimes not enough to eat, or often not
enough to eat?
<1>
<2>
<3>
<4>

Enough of the kinds of food we want to eat
Enough but not always the kinds of food we want to eat
Sometimes not enough to eat
Often not enough to eat

Blind or
----------------------------------------------------SX1CK
If POOR=2 and (SS1= <1> or ) and (S9= <2> or ), then go to END OF
SUPPLEMENT else ask SS2
-----------------------------------------------------NOTE:
ADULT_COUNT=number of household members with AGE>=18 or PURRP=1,
2, 3, 13, or 14
CHILD_COUNT=number of household members with AGE<=17 and
PURRP>=4 and PURRP not 13 or 14
-----------------------------------------------------SS2
If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household then fill first option in parenthetical else
fill second option.
Now I'm going to read you several statements that people have made about
their food situation. For these statements, please tell me whether the

19
statement was OFTEN true, SOMETIMES true, or NEVER true for
(you/your household) in the last 12 months.
The first statement is "(I/We) worried whether (my/our) food would run out
before (I/we) got money to buy more." Was that OFTEN true,
SOMETIMES true, or NEVER true for (you/your household) in the last 12
months?
<1> Often true
<2> Sometimes true
<3> Never true (GO TO SS3)
Blind or (GO TO SS3)
SSM2

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

SS3

"The food that (I/we) bought just didn't last, and (I/we) didn't have money to
get more." Was that OFTEN, SOMETIMES or NEVER true for (you/ your
household) in the last 12 months?
<1> Often true
<2> Sometimes true
<3> Never true (GO TO SS4)
Blind or (GO TO SS4)

SSM3

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

SS4

"(I/we) couldn't afford to eat balanced meals." Was that OFTEN,
SOMETIMES or NEVER true for (you/ your household) in the last 12
months?
<1> Often true (GO TO SSM4)
<2> Sometimes true (GO TO SSM4)
<3> Never true (GO TO SX2CK)

20

Blind or (GO TO SX2CK)

SSM4

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind

-----------------------------------------------------------SX2CK
If SS1 = <3> or <4> OR SS2 = <1> or <2> OR SS3 = <1> or <2> OR SS4 =
<1> or <2> then go to SH2
else go to SX4CK.
-----------------------------------------------------------SH2

If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household then fill first option in parenthetical else
fill second option.
In the last 12 months, did (you/ you or other adults in your household) ever
cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there wasn't enough money
for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SH3)
Blind or (GO TO SH3)

SHF2

How often did this happen--almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SHM2

If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household then fill first option in parenthetical else
fill second option.
Now think about the last 30 days. During that time did (you/ you or other
adults in your household) ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals
because there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes

21
<2> No (GO TO SH3)
Blind or (GO TO SH3)
SHMF2

How many days did this happen in the last 30 days?
______number of days (GO TO SH3)
<1-30>
Blind or (GO TO SH3)

SH3

In the last 12 months, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because
there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SH4)
Blind or (GO TO SH4)

SHF3

How often did this happen-almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SHM3

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SH4)
Blind or (GO TO SH4)

SHMF3

In the last 30 days, how many days did you eat less than you felt you should
because there wasn't enough money for food?
______ number of days
<1-30>
Blind or

SH4

In the last 12 months, were you ever hungry but didn't eat because there
wasn't enough money for food?

22

<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SH5)
Blind or (GO TO SH5)
SHF4

How often did this happen--almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SHM4

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1>Yes
<2> No (GO TO SH5)
Blind or (GO TO SH5)

SHMF4

In the last 30 days, how many days were you hungry but didn't eat because
there wasn't enough money for food?
_____ number of days
<1-30>
Blind or

SH5

In the last 12 months, did you lose weight because there wasn't enough
money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SX3CK)
Blind or (GO TO SX3CK)

SHM5

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

-----------------------------------------------------------------

23
SX3CK

If SH2=<1> OR SH3=<1> OR SH4=<1> OR SH5=<1> then continue to SSH1
else skip to SX4CK
----------------------------------------------------------------SSH1

If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household then fill first option in parenthetical else
fill second option.
In the last 12 months, did (you/you or other adults in your household) ever
not eat for a whole day because there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SX4CK)
Blind or (GO TO SX4CK)

SSHF1

How often did this happen--almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SSHM1

If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household then fill first option in parenthetical else
fill second option.
Now think about the last 30 days. During that time did (you/ you or other
adults in your household) ever not eat for a whole day because there wasn't
enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SX4CK)
Blind or (GO TO SX4CK)

SSHMF1

How many times did this happen in the last 30 days?
______ times
<1-30>
Blind or

--------------------------------------------------------------------

24
SX4CK

If CHILD_COUNT is greater than or equal to 1 in household go to SS5 else skip
to SP1.
------------------------------------------------------------SS5_LEAD

Now I'm going to read you several statements that people have made about
the food situation of their children. For these statements, please tell me
whether the statement was OFTEN true, SOMETIMES true, or NEVER true
in the last 12 months for any child under 18 years old living in the household.

SS5

If ADULT_COUNT=1 for the household fill first, third, fourth and fifth
parenthetical with first option else fill with second option.
If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill second parenthetical with first option else fill
with second option.
"(I/we) relied on only a few kinds of low-cost food to feed (the child in
(my/our) household/the children) because (I was/we were) running out of
money to buy food. Was that OFTEN, SOMETIMES or NEVER true for
(you/ your household) in the last 12 months?
<1> Often true
<2> Sometimes true
<3> Never true (GO TO SS6)
Blind or (GO TO SS6)

SSM5

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

SS6

If ADULT_COUNT=1 fill first, third, fourth and fifth parenthetical with first
option else fill with second option.
If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill second parenthetical with first option else fill with
second option.
"(I/we) couldn't feed (the child in (my/our) household/the children) a
balanced meal, because (I/we) couldn't afford that." Was that OFTEN,
SOMETIMES or NEVER true for (you/your household) in the last 12
months?
<1> Often true (GO TO SSM6)

25
<2> Sometimes true (GO TO SSM6)
<3> Never true (GO TO SH1)
Blind or (GO TO SH1)

SSM6

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

SH1

If ADULT_COUNT=1 then fill second, third, and fourth parenthetical with first
option else fill with second option.
If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill first parenthetical with first option else fill with
second option.
"(The child in (my/our) household was/The children were) not eating enough
because there wasn’t enough money for food." Was that OFTEN,
SOMETIMES or NEVER true for (you/ your household) in the last 12
months?
<1> Often true
<2> Sometimes true
<3> Never true (GO TO SX5CK)
Blind or (GO TO SX5CK)

SHM1

Did this ever happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

-----------------------------------------------------------SX5CK
If SS5 = <1> or <2> OR SS6 = <1> or <2> OR SH1 = <1> or <2> go to SSH2
else skip to SP1.
-----------------------------------------------------------SSH2

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 12 months, did you ever cut the size of

26
(the child's/any of the children's) meals because there wasn't enough money
for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH3)
Blind or (GO TO SSH3)
SSHF2

How often did this happen - almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1>
<2>
<3>

Almost every month
Some months but not every month
Only 1 or 2 months

Blind or
SSHM2

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH3)
Blind or (GO TO SSH3)

SSHMF2

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 30 days, how many days did you cut the size of (the child's/any of
the children's) meals because there wasn't enough money for food?
______days
<1-30>
Blind or

SSH3

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 12 months, (was the child/were the children) ever hungry because
there wasn’t enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH4)
Blind or (GO TO SSH4)

SSHF3

How often did this happen – almost every month, some months but not every

27
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or
SSHM3

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH4)
Blind or (GO TO SSH4)

SSHMF3

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 30 days, how many days (was the child/were the children) hungry
because there wasn’t enough money for food?
______ number of days
<1-30>
Blind or

SSH4

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 12 months, did (the child/ any of the children) ever skip a meal
because there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH5)
Blind or (GO TO SSH5)

SSHF4

How often did this happen--almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SSHM4

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.

28
Now think about the last 30 days. Did (the child/any of the children) ever
skip a meal during that time because there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SSH5)
Blind or (GO TO SSH5)
SSHMF4

How many days did this happen in the last 30 days?
______days
<1-30>
Blind or

SSH5

If CHILD_COUNT=1 then fill with first option else fill with second option.
In the last 12 months, did (the child/any of the children) ever not eat for a
whole day because there wasn't enough money for food?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SP1)
Blind or (GO TO SP1)

SSHM5

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or
All responses go to SP1

IV. FOOD PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
SP1_LEAD

Sometimes people need help getting food for their household. There are
many programs that can help.

SP1

If hhnum=1 fill with first option else fill with second.
In the past 12 months, since September of last year, did (you/anyone in this
household) get or food stamp benefits?
<1> Yes (GO TO SP2)

29
<2> No (GO TO SP6CK)
Blind or (GO TO SP6CK)
NOTE: Since the test interview will be in September, it will change how months of SNAP receipt
and receipt within 30 days of interview are asked about. SP2 and SP2DCK and SP2D below may
need more revision.
SP2

In which months since September of last year were or food
stamp benefits received?
DO NOT READ LIST. MARK ALL THAT APPLY
<1> January 2020
<2> February 2020
<3> March 2020
<4> April 2020
<5> May 2020
<6> June 2020
<7> July 2020
<8> August 2020
<9> September 2020
<10> October 2019
<11> November 2019
<12> December 2019
<13> All

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------SP2DCK
If SP2 = 8 AND ≠ 9 AND ≠ 13 go to SP2D else go to SP3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------SP2D

If hhnum = 1 fill with first option else fill with second.
On what date in August did (you/your household) receive
or food stamp benefits?
SP2D

Day______
<1-31>

Blind or
SP3

If hhnum=1 fill with first option else fill with second.
How much did (you/your household) receive the last time you got
or food stamp benefits?
$ _ _ _ .00

30

Blind or
------------------------------------------------------------SP3CK
Store entry in SP3O. If SP3O is between $1.00 and $700.00 go to SP6CK
otherwise go to SP3RC.
------------------------------------------------------------SP3RC

*************DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT*************
AMOUNT RECEIVED RECORDED AS: (entry in SP3O)
IS THIS ENTRY CORRECT?
<1> YES (GO TO SP6CK)
<2> NO (GO TO SP3COR)

SP3COR

**********DO NOT ASK THE RESPONDENT************
INCORRECT ENTRY WAS RECORDED AS: (entry in SP3O) CORRECT
ENTRY IS:
$_ _ _.00 (store entry in SP3O)
Items SP3 through SP3COR go into making the out variable SP3O. This is the
amount received in food stamp benefits.

------------------------------------------------------------SP6CK
If HHMEM=1 and AGE is 5 THROUGH 18 for anyone in the household ask SP6
else skip to SP7ACK.
------------------------------------------------------------SP6

If 1 or more children under 5 years old, fill parenthetical, else fill blank.
During the past 30 days, did any children in the household
(between 5 and 18 years old) receive free or reduced-price lunches at school?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SP7ACK)
Blind or (GO TO SP7ACK)

SP7

If 1 or more children under 5 years old, fill parenthetical, else fill blank.
During the past 30 days, did any children in the household (between 5 and 18
years old) receive free or reduced-price breakfasts at school?

31

<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or
NEW 1

If 1 or more children under 5 years old, fill parenthetical, else fill blank.
During the past 30 days, did any children in the household (between 5 and 18
years old) receive a free or reduced-price meal or snack at an after school
program?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

Note: Question “NEW 1” is a newly added question. It does not replace any previous item.
----------------------------------------------------------SP7ACK
If HHMEM=1 and AGE is 0-6 for anyone in the household ask SP7A
else skip to SP8CK.
----------------------------------------------------------SP7A

If only 1 child under age 6 fill with first option else fill with second option
During the past 30 days, did any children in the household (under 6 years
old) receive free or reduced-price food at a day-care or Head Start program?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

------------------------------------------------------------SP8CK
If [(SEX=2 and AGE = 15-45) OR (AGE 0-4)] and HHMEM=1 for anyone in the
household then ask SP8 else skip to “NEW 2”.
------------------------------------------------------------SP8

If [(SEX=2 and AGE=15-45) for any hh member and (AGE=0-4) for any hh
member] then fill second option else if
(SEX=2 and AGE=15-45) for any hh member and (no AGE=0-4) for any hh
member then fill first option else fill third option.

32
During the past 30 days, did any (women/women or children/children) in this
household get food through the WIC program?
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO “NEW 2”)
Blind or (GO TO “NEW 2”)
SP9

If [(SEX=2 and AGE=15-45) for any hh member and (AGE=0-4) for any hh
member] then fill second option else if
(SEX=2 and AGE=15-45) for any hh member and (no AGE=0-4) for any hh
member then fill first option else fill third option.
How many (women/women or children/children) in the household got WIC
foods?
Number ______
Blind or Yes
<2> No
Blind or

SC2

If more than one person in household fill with second option, else fill with first
option.
During the past 30 days, did (you/anyone in this household) go to a
community program or senior center to eat prepared meals?
<1> Yes
<2> No

Blind or
NOTE: Items SC1 and SC2 will be deleted. These questions are incorporated into “NEW 3”
below.
For items “NEW 2” and “NEW 3”, if only 1 HHMEM = 1 and (AGE>=18 or PURRP <=3) in
household then fill first parenthetical with first option else fill with second option.
NEW 2

(Replaces SC3) In the last 12 months, did (you/you or anyone in your
household) ever get free groceries from a food pantry, food bank, church, or
other place that helps with free food? [NOTE: may revise parenthetical to
“you or any other adults”]
<1> Yes
<2> No (GO TO SC3A)
Blind or (GO TO SC4)

34
SCF3

How often did this happen-almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SCM3

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes (GO TO SC4)
<2> No (GO TO SC4)

SC3A

Is there a food pantry, food bank, church, or other place in your community
where you could get free groceries if you needed it?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

NEW 3

(Replaces SC4) In the last 12 months, have (you/you or anyone in your
household) received a free meal from a church, shelter, home-delivered meal
service like Meals on Wheels, or other place that helps with free meals?
<1>Yes
<2> No (GO TO NEW 4)
Blind or (GO TO NEW 4)

SCF4

How often did this happen-almost every month, some months but not every
month, or in only 1 or 2 months?
<1> Almost every month
<2> Some months but not every month
<3> Only 1 or 2 months
Blind or

SCM4

Did this happen in the last 30 days?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

35

NEW 4

Is there a church, shelter, home-delivery meal service like meals on Wheels,
or other place in your community where you could get free meals if you
needed it?
<1> Yes
<2> No
Blind or

NOTE: “NEW 4” is a newly added item. It does not replace any previous items.
SSPCK1 (Interviewer query, do not read)
Did you use the Spanish language version for none, some, or all of the
questions about having adequate food?
<1> None
<2> Some
<3> All
*****END OF SUPPLEMENT*****