Feasibility of Using Facebook to Engage SNAP-Ed Eligible Parents and Provide Education on Eating Well on a Budget.

Kristen Lawton,Lindsey Hess,Jennifer S. Savage,Michele Marini,Katie McNitt,Heather McCarthy

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031457

Abstract

This study examined the use of Facebook to provide education on food resource management and healthy eating on a budget to parents of preschool aged children participating in Head Start. A convenience sample of 25 parents participated in a Facebook group based on Sesame Street’s Food for Thought: Eating Well on a Budget curriculum over a 3-week period. Parent engagement was assessed by examining views, likes, and comments on posts. Qualitative data were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and barriers experienced related to healthy eating on a budget. The results suggest that parents were engaged throughout the intervention, as evidenced by views, likes, and comments on Facebook posts, as well as by study retention (90%). Interactions with the intervention materials varied by post content, with discussion questions having the highest level of interaction. Facebook was found to be a feasible platform for delivering the intervention, and the Facebook-adapted version of the Sesame Street curriculum was shown to engage Head Start parents living in rural areas. Further research should explore the use of social media platforms for delivering nutrition education interventions to rural populations that are otherwise difficult to reach.

Highlights

Nutrition predicts a number of positive health, social, and cognitive outcomes [1]; many low-income children under the age of five years do not meet the daily nutrition recommendations [2]
The aim of the current study was to examine the feasibility of using Facebook as a platform to (1) increase the engagement of caregivers with children enrolled in Head Start and (2) provide nutrition education related to food resource management and healthy eating on a budget
In an effort to improve dietary quality and to address common barriers experienced with reaching Head Start caregivers, we examined the feasibility of using a Facebook adaptation of Sesame Street’s online curriculum, Food for Thought: Eating Well on a Budget

Summary

Introduction

Nutrition predicts a number of positive health, social, and cognitive outcomes [1]; many low-income children under the age of five years do not meet the daily nutrition recommendations [2] Caregivers shape their child’s food preferences, eating behaviors, and food intake by serving as “gatekeepers” to what food is brought into the home. The purchase of nutrient rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, is partially influenced by food cost, especially among lower income, economically disadvantaged households [4,5] Together, these data suggest a critical need for nutrition education related to food budgeting, resource management, and meal preparation strategies that support low-income caregivers to choose, provide, and prepare healthy, nutrient-dense foods to their families [6].

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Discussion

Conclusion