Assisting AFDC-Food Stamp Participants in Eating Better For Less

Abstract

Our target audience was Food Stamp participants receiving AFDC. We sought to compare the effectiveness of three intervention groups: 1) 9 cards sent individually with monthly benefit vouchers, 2) A 10minute video and accompanying handout, 3) A combination of the video, handout and then the cards. For evaluation purposes the cards were delivered weekly rather than monthly. Results were compared with those of a non-intervention control group. In a one year period an estimated 50,000 food stamp participants received the cards and –8,000 saw the video. Education and evaluation materials were developed and tested by the staff of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. A food survey designed to assess nutrition knowledge gains, dietary behaviors and food resource management behaviors was given before and after each intervention. A geographical stratified sample of 400 participants was divided equally into the non-intervention and card group. A sample of 331 participants, chosen by Food Stamp unit staff through the state based on need for recertification, participated in the evaluation of the video and video and cards. Participants were contacted by phone to complete the survey or, if not available by phone, received a survey through the US mail with a pre-stamped return envelope. Preliminary results revealed that 76 participated in the nonintervention group, 63 in the card group, 88 in the video group and 72 in the video and card group. Sample characteristics (race, sex and family size) did not vary among the groups. When compared to the control group statistically significant knowledge gains (p⩽0.05) were made by participants in the card and video and card groups. There was little difference in dietary behavior scores between the intervention groups and the control group. The video and card group demonstrated the greatest gains in dietary behaviors. The intervention groups demonstrated statistically significant gains in the food resource management questions (p⩽0.05) with the card group demonstrating the greatest gains. This research reveals the effectiveness of a large nutrition intervention project. Cost-benefit analysis will also be discussed.