P148 California SNAP-Ed Direct Education and PSE Aggregation

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) has refocused SNAP-Ed reporting to include and prioritize aggregation of direct education and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) reporting. In federal fiscal year 2016, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Western Region Office instructed CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) (California's SNAP-Ed program) to synthesize results from its 4 state implementing agencies (SIAs) and 138 local implementing agencies while reducing the report's overall length. CFHL now reports all SNAP-Ed work from a state perspective by aggregating all data. <h3>Objective</h3> Synthesize and communicate the methods used by CFHL to aggregate and report their SNAP-Ed data that is in accordance with the Farm Bill. This will provide a process that other states can adapt to fit their programs and report their work within the new federal guidelines. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Direct education: CFHL reviewed all surveys used by SIAs and identified common questions that could be aggregated. Statistical analyses were identified that were appropriate for the data and incorporated effect sizes to measure the size of reported changes. PSE: CFHL used an online reporting system to collect all data, ensuring that all SIAs were collecting the same information which could then be aggregated at the state level. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> A review of the shifts in methodology CFHL took to aggregate analyses and improve overall research methods to be in line with the Farm Bill and Evidence Act. <h3>Results</h3> Review of outcomes from CFHL's 2018 aggregated analyses, which includes 12 statistically significant direct education findings for MT1 and MT2 indicators. <h3>Conclusions</h3> California has a process for aggregating data that is in line with the Farm Bill that other states can adapt to fit their programs and reporting needs. This may provide a framework for states who may not have evaluation staff with time to think through these processes. <h3>Funding</h3> Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education.