FP7 Kansas Training Grows Healthier Futures

Abstract

Objective Evaluate the impact of increased access to quality training on meeting requirements for the updated CACFP meal pattern and implementation of CACFP meal pattern best practices. Description As a result of the 2016 Team Nutrition Training Grant, KSDE has developed in-person and online training opportunities including “Updated CACFP Meal Pattern,” “Let's Talk About It…Grains to Oz. Eq.,” “Family Style Meal Service,” and “Growing Healthy Futures with the CACFP.” Team Up for CACFP Success workshops were held to allow CACFP sponsors to share experiences and successes in implementing the CACFP best practices. Evaluation A comprehensive evaluation plan, using a Child and Adult Care Food Program Survey instrument developed and validated by KSDE, is investigating the impact and project outcomes using quantitative and qualitative data collected during project implementation. Data was also collected via pre- and post-training surveys at the “Updated CACFP Meal Pattern” and “Let's Talk About It…Grains to Oz. Eq.” trainings to gather evidence to evaluate program success as related to meal pattern implementation, nutrition education outcomes, and incorporation of best practices. Conclusions and Implications Preliminary results, for 2017 and 2018 data, showed that the summative best practices mean scores significantly increased with each additional training attended. In what may be the most important subscale measure of compliance with the CACFP standards, healthy offerings, child care providers that attend the most trainings and participate in additional interventions, offered as part of the Team Nutrition Training Grant, showed consistent and significant improvements. Data analysis between year one and year two demonstrates that feedback loops based on field surveys of best practices can provide more program and evaluation information than regular pre- and post- designs. Regular surveys can be an important part of a continuous improvement data system. Grant Year 2016