Soldier Fueling Initiative: Results of a program evaluation among Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training

INTRODUCTION The Soldier Fueling Initiative is a health promotion nutrition program intended to improve health and performance of Soldiers in Initial Military Training (IMT) through multiple mechanisms including menu and food preparation changes, performance nutrition education, “Go for Green” food labeling, and vending option modifications. METHODS In 2011, the U.S. Army Institute of Public Health, in conjunction with program stakeholders, conducted a program evaluation of the Soldier Fueling Initiative among IMT Soldiers to (1) determine their perceptions of and experiences with the initiative, and (2) to obtain a preliminary understanding of program impact on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Cross-sectional methods included surveys (n=748) and focus groups (n=110) from multiple sites. RESULTS Results suggest the message of “fueling” resonates well with Soldiers, and the frequency of using “Go for Green” food labeling is associated with increased knowledge and selection of nutritious options (p<.001). Nutrition education and leadership buy-in are essential to program success. Program impact is currently highest among Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and may diminish among those in advanced phases of training; in addition, Soldiers identifying as overweight prior to entering the Army may experience differential program impact (p<.05). Results further suggest there are challenges to consistent implementation of nutrition interventions in IMT. DISCUSSION Multi-component health promotion nutrition programs have great potential for population impact, though there are barriers to implementation that must be acknowledged and addressed. This presentation will highlight key evaluation findings and share lessons learned with public health professionals interested in implementing similar programs.