Improving nutrition education access for Iowans: Evaluation results from a piloted statewide program at food pantries

The Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) developed and piloted a nutrition education program to strengthen the capacity of pantries to provide nutrition education, while improving the ability of consumers to gain access to services regardless of the geographic region they reside. A process evaluation of the pilot program was conducted to examine the effectiveness of program content and delivery and consumer satisfaction. This poster will detail program content, evaluation design, and results, including implications for practice.   

A mixed methods approach was utilized to conduct the process evaluation.  . Nutrition education volunteers (n = 10) completed surveys to assess the implementation of the program. Food pantry directors (n=10) were surveyed to identify their perceptions of program implementation. Food pantry consumer interviews (n = 45) were conducted to identify perceptions of program effectiveness and satisfaction.  

The results of the evaluation identified areas of effective implementation, and those in need of improvement. Pantry directors reported overall positive perceptions of program implementation and fit with program objectives. Consumer interviews identified mostly positive perceptions of the program, suggestions for strengthening it, and ways consumers applied knowledge learned. 

The results of this study identified the areas of success and need for improvement in the implementation of the IFBA’s nutrition education program. The IFBA utilized these findings to make changes to the program before implementing it statewide. Organizations can utilize the findings of this evaluation to inform potential implementation of similar nutrition education efforts and to ensure that all persons have access to resources in their area.