To follow up on Duane's suggestion of reading up on database design, I have
a Tutorial Page that explains what "normalization" is, why it's so
important, and steps you through the process. There are also links to other
normalization FAQs and tutorials at the bottom of the page. You can find it
he http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/f...ts.asp?TID=238

--
--Roger Carlson
MS Access MVP
Access Database Samples: www.rogersaccesslibrary.com
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"Duane Hookom" wrote in message
news
Thanks for the good work that you do. Your question is quite broad. If I
were
you, I would focus on a small part of the application and then expand as
needed. You might want to read Michael Hernandez's excellent "Database
Design
for Mere Mortals, Second Edition"
http://www.viescas.com/Info/books.htm#Database%20Design

You have a lot of questions to answer about your services and clients and
the granularity of the information. Do you need to record only pounds of
food
provided or information about each type of food (veggies, baked,
fruit,...)?
Do you need to store based on a "household" or do you need information on
each member of the household?

I suggest you begin with some reading. Also, make sure you identify and
use
a good naming convention. Check out
http://www.mvps.org/access/tencommandments.htm.

Then come back here with specific questions and ask for our input. If you
haven't had much experience with databases and/or programming, maybe you
can
get some student help from UNC Greensboro or other local school.

--
Duane Hookom
Microsoft Access MVP


"Mary" wrote:

I am setting up a db to track the clients that access our pantry. At the
end
of the month we produce a report showing non duplicated and duplicated
counts. We offer multiple services, food, clothes, furniture,
salon/barbershop, benevolence funds, parenting classes, thanksgiving
assistance, christmas assistance. I want to track how often they use our
services, zip codes using our service, services provided to a family,
children served from a particular school, and a who recieves what
service.
Question: What tables and fields do you suggest as I start my database,
or do
you know where a free template I should start with?
--
Positive Direction for Youth & Families, Inc. (www.pdfyinc.com)