P62 Leveraging Partnerships to Implement Policy, Systems, & Environmental Initiatives in Two Rural Counties of California

Abstract

Objective To implement UC CalFresh policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) initiatives across limited resource settings. Use of Theory or Research Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Target Audience Preschoolers, youth, parents, and seniors across preschools, schools, after school programs, and community settings in Tulare/Kings counties of California. Program Description In collaboration with community partners during FY2017-18, trained nutrition educators implemented USDA funded UC CalFresh PSE initiatives such as school wellness policy, preschool and school gardens, physical activities such as Coordinated Approach to Child's Health (CATCH), walking club, dance exercise, healthy school farmer's market, smarter lunchrooms movement, and food distribution. Evaluation Methods Nutrition educators completed PSE Site Activity Tracking Form that recorded PSE reach, sites, implementation stages, PSE changes adopted, partnerships, and sustainability plan. Evaluation data analyses was completed using the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS). Results Results indicated: PSE reached preschoolers, youth, parents, seniors, and community members (n = 28,217), total PSE sites with one or more PSE changes adopted (n = 43), total PSE sites by setting for all stages of implementation (n = 35), total sites with sustainability plan (n = 46), total number of type of PSE changes identified (n = 76), and approximately 40 partnerships were reported. PSE changes included established or improved food and beverage, physical activity and/or wellness-related policies, initiated or improved point-of-purchase, decision, and/or distribution prompts (including information intended to influence choices at the point of decision), improved quality of structured physical activity, initiated or expanded use of the garden for nutrition education, and improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or other healthy foods. Conclusions Results provide essential insight into PSE strategies at the SEM levels to promote healthy food and physical activity messages. Implications of this evaluation suggest that local implementing agencies can successfully deliver PSE strategies by leveraging community partnerships. Funding SNAP-Ed.