Impact of SNAP-Ed Food Safety Intervention in DC Preschoolers (P04-085-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesAccording to the CDC’s national foodborne illness surveillance system, children are disproportionally affected by foodborne illnesses: those under the age of 15 years account for approximately half of all cases. These diseases can result in short- and long-term health consequences and even death.Children from low-income families face greater food safety risks. This can be a result of poor nutrition, increased exposure to food safety risks, and reduced access to health care. Understanding food safety knowledge and properly practicing food safety behavior is important in preventing foodborne illness.Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) provides food safety skills to at-risk youth. This study examines the program’s impact on increasing food safety knowledge at the preschool level. MethodsIn October of 2017, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) SNAP-Ed nutrition educators implemented food safety education in 91 classrooms from 21 different elementary schools and child development centers located in low-income areas in Washington, D.C.During program implementation, 1232 children completed a two-question pre- and post-assessment to measure changes in food safety knowledge:•1: Raise your hand if you agree that we need to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds.•2: Raise your hand if you agree that we should wash our hands every time before we eat. ResultsUDC SNAP-Ed observed a positive change in both questions. Initially, only 307 students (25%) correctly answered question one. After the intervention, 97% answered correctly, resulting in a positive change of 72% or 890 students.Before the intervention, only 341 students (28%) correctly answered the second question. After the intervention, 1191 (97%) answered correctly, resulting in a positive change of 70% or 850 students. ConclusionsSNAP-Ed Nutrition education positively impacted preschool students’ knowledge of food safety practices. Further research is necessary to understand the implementation of food safety techniques following food safety education intervention. Funding SourcesThis project was funded through money appropriated by Congress through the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 to states for evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions and projects. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪