Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117763

B. MkNelly, MS, Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section, California Department of Health Services, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95899, (916) 552-9938, bmknelly@dhs.ca.gov, Daniel P. Perales, DrPh MPH, Department of Health Science, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0052, and Denise Perales, MS, Department of Health Science, Perales & Associates Evaluation Services, 4415 Water Oak Court, Concord, CA 94521.

Background: The California Nutrition Network has funded nearly 30 community food security projects since 1998. Operating in a tremendous diversity of setting, these projects share a common goal to improve low-income communities' access to good quality food and nutrition information. This study describes promising models for achieving this goal as well as lessons learned.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to assess performance related to four criteria; feasibility, sustainability, impact and replicability. Data were collected through programmatic and evaluation reports, site visits and in-depth interviews.

Results: Preliminary results show that several projects utilize models that are especially feasible because strategies are relatively simple and they can generate significant local support such as school gardens. Other models such as mobile markets and nutrition education at farmers markets have good potential for financially sustainable impact. Edible landscaping and nutrition education is an integration model with particular promise for replication to other low-income housing sites.

Conclusion: Nutrition education alone may not be sufficient for the widespread and dramatic improvement needed in many people's diets; especially, their fruit and vegetable consumption. Improving the food environment and people's access to healthy options has tremendous potential to amplify the positive impacts of nutrition education. Identifying and disseminating promising models is essential for realizing this potential.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, participants will be able to
• • identify at least three promising implementation models that integrate direct access to fruit and vegetables with nutrition education,
• • assess the impact evidence and learns learned from these integrated strategies; and
• • state how these strategies might translate to their own states or projects.

Keywords: Food and Nutrition, Community Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.