217059 Formative Activities in Support of an Evaluation of the New York City Health Bucks Program

Monday, November 8, 2010

Lauren Olsho, PhD , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Deborah K. Walker, EdD , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Yvonne Abel, MS , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Cristina A. Booker, MPH , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Jacey Greece, MPH , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Cheryl Hewitt, MPH, RD, LDN , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Leah Staub-DeLong, BA , Domestic Health Division, Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA
Jan Jernigan, PhD , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Gayle Payne, PhD , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Sonia A. Kim, PhD , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Holly Wethington, PhD, MS , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Raegan Tuff, PhD, MPH , Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Sabrina S. Baronberg, MPH , Bureau of Chronic Disease, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY
Background: Limited access to healthful foods may contribute to higher obesity rates in underserved urban areas. To increase access to and purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables in three underserved New York City neighborhoods, the Health Bucks program distributes coupons for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets. SNAP participants receive one $2 coupon for every $5 in benefits spent at participating markets. Additionally, local neighborhood community organizations distribute coupons to clients. We conducted formative evaluation activities to inform a process and outcome evaluation of the Health Bucks program. Methodology: Document review, administrative data analysis, informant interviews, and site visits supported development of (1) a program logic model and narrative description; and (2) process and outcome evaluation plans, including focus group guides and survey instruments. Results: Health Bucks intends to influence individual-level outcomes by increasing consumer purchases of healthful foods, and community/systems-level outcomes by improving farmers' market access and community partnerships. Participating markets vary considerably in volume of SNAP purchases. Community organizations are key facilitators of Health Bucks access and consumer education. Discussion: Findings suggest that multiple partnerships between city and public health departments, community organizations, and farmers' markets support program success. Farmers' market staff training and additional outreach/education for consumers may increase appropriate use of Health Bucks. Process and outcome evaluations will describe factors influencing successful program implementation and outcomes at the individual and community/systems levels. Results will support ongoing development of the Health Bucks program and inform other localities considering similar access initiatives.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe findings from formative evaluation of the New York City Health Bucks Program. Describe plan for conducting process and outcome evaluations.

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I design and implement evaluations of food, nutrition, and obesity prevention/control initiatives.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.