Evaluation of Virginia SNAP-Ed's Eating Smart, Being Active Participant Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by Race

ObjectiveTo determine if there were disparities in changes in fruit and vegetable consumption by race and perceived affordability and accessibility of healthy foods for Virginia SNAP-Ed participants using the Eating Smart Being Active (ESBA) curriculum.Use of Theory or ResearchEvaluate SNAP-Ed through a nutrition security lens to determine if any disparities in program outcomes exist.Target AudienceVirginia caregivers of young children with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.Program DescriptionVirginia SNAP-Ed uses an evidence-based curriculum, ESBA, to promote healthy eating and physical activity through nutrition education that utilizes a peer educator model.Evaluation MethodsThis study analyzed pre-existing Virginia SNAP-Ed evaluation data from FY2021 for SNAP-eligible Virginian adults (n=544). A quasi-experimental pre/post design with a standardized self-reported 28-item survey was used. Variables included demographics, fruit and vegetable consumption, and perceptions on healthy food affordability and fruit and vegetable accessibility. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics of Virginia SNAP-Ed ESBA participants. Paired t-tests were used to determine any pre/post differences in fruit and vegetable consumption, perceived affordability of healthy foods and perceived accessibility of fruits and vegetables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to predict changes in fruit and vegetable consumption based on perceived affordability of healthy foods, accessibility of fruits and vegetables and race.ResultsParticipants across all races (White=361; Black=162; other=21) reported statistically significant (p≤0.001) increases in mean pre/post survey scores for fruit and vegetable consumption. Positive perceived affordability of healthy foods and attitudes on accessibility of fruits and vegetables predicted increased fruit and vegetable consumption (p≤0.05), but there was no difference in fruit (p≤0.31) or vegetable (p≤0.83) consumption by race.ConclusionThe learner-centered curriculum, ESBA, contributes to equitable programmatic outcomes for all SNAP-Ed participants, regardless of race. However, improvements in perceived changes in the affordability and accessibility of healthy foods from pre- to post- ESBA are predictive of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption, highlighting the importance of the food environment in making behavior changes.FundingSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education To determine if there were disparities in changes in fruit and vegetable consumption by race and perceived affordability and accessibility of healthy foods for Virginia SNAP-Ed participants using the Eating Smart Being Active (ESBA) curriculum. Evaluate SNAP-Ed through a nutrition security lens to determine if any disparities in program outcomes exist. Virginia caregivers of young children with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Virginia SNAP-Ed uses an evidence-based curriculum, ESBA, to promote healthy eating and physical activity through nutrition education that utilizes a peer educator model. This study analyzed pre-existing Virginia SNAP-Ed evaluation data from FY2021 for SNAP-eligible Virginian adults (n=544). A quasi-experimental pre/post design with a standardized self-reported 28-item survey was used. Variables included demographics, fruit and vegetable consumption, and perceptions on healthy food affordability and fruit and vegetable accessibility. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics of Virginia SNAP-Ed ESBA participants. Paired t-tests were used to determine any pre/post differences in fruit and vegetable consumption, perceived affordability of healthy foods and perceived accessibility of fruits and vegetables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to predict changes in fruit and vegetable consumption based on perceived affordability of healthy foods, accessibility of fruits and vegetables and race. Participants across all races (White=361; Black=162; other=21) reported statistically significant (p≤0.001) increases in mean pre/post survey scores for fruit and vegetable consumption. Positive perceived affordability of healthy foods and attitudes on accessibility of fruits and vegetables predicted increased fruit and vegetable consumption (p≤0.05), but there was no difference in fruit (p≤0.31) or vegetable (p≤0.83) consumption by race. The learner-centered curriculum, ESBA, contributes to equitable programmatic outcomes for all SNAP-Ed participants, regardless of race. However, improvements in perceived changes in the affordability and accessibility of healthy foods from pre- to post- ESBA are predictive of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption, highlighting the importance of the food environment in making behavior changes.