A Case Study of a New State Model for Assessing Local Wellness Policies.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a final rule to strengthen local wellness policies (LWPs). As school districts pursue compliance, states can provide critical guidance by leveraging support from intermediary programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). After Arizona SNAP-Ed piloted a statewide model for assessing LWPs, we evaluated that model by exploring local SNAP-Ed agency experiences with the pilot. Our case study objectives were to determine the model's feasibility and utility from the perspective of local agencies supporting school districts during LWP review and revision. METHODS: We used open-ended semistructured interviews with the 13 local SNAP-Ed agencies who engaged in each LWP assessment phase and analyzed data using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Participants found the model feasible and useful. Five themes emerged, 3 of which tracked strongly with successful LWP review and revision: local agency staff comprehension, the openness of local agency staff and district/school personnel to the process, and the local agency's engagement of the district/school throughout the process. CONCLUSIONS: Leveraging local agency support can be an effective strategy to improving LWPs, given understanding, buy-in, and staff engagement. Findings can inform agencies seeking to engage intermediaries in LWP assessment and revision.

Need for specific sugar-sweetened beverage lessons for fourth- and fifth-graders.

OBJECTIVE: Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is linked to obesity. The authors hypothesized that school-based nutrition education would decrease SSB consumption. DESIGN: Self-selected interventional cohort with random selection for pre and post measurements. SETTING: Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education Program-eligible schools. PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected (9%) fourth- and fifth-grade classroom students. INTERVENTION: The University of Arizona Nutrition Network provided general nutrition education training and materials to teachers, to be delivered to their students. The University of Arizona Nutrition Network administered behavioral questionnaires to students in both fall and spring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Change in SSB consumption. ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were computed for student demographics and beverage consumption on the day before testing. Paired t tests evaluated change in classroom averages. Linear regression assessed potential correlates of SSB consumption. RESULTS: Fall mean SSB consumption was 1.1 (± 0.2) times; mean milk and water intake were 1.6 (± 0.2) and 5.2 (± 0.7) times, respectively. Beverage consumption increased (3.2%) in springtime, with increased SSBs (14.4%) accounting for the majority (P = .006). Change in SSB consumption was negatively associated with baseline SSB and water consumption but positively associated with baseline milk fat (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest the need for beverage-specific education to encourage children to consume more healthful beverages in warmer weather.