Summary: To describe how local
quantitative and qualitative data were used to assess the progress of the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) interventions in
Los Angeles County, California.
Data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) informed the
geographical concentration of program resources during the planning phase. At
the end of the program, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders were
conducted to assess factors that facilitated SNAP-Ed implementation.
From 2016–2020, 24 organizations across Los Angeles County
delivered nutrition education, reaching an estimated two million people.
Two-hundred policy, systems, and environmental change interventions reached an
estimated 1.2 million people.
Semi-structured interview data were analyzed using a form of
both inductive and deductive content analysis. A codebook was developed based
on themes identified in these interviews. Each interview was coded by two team
members; discrepancies (if they arose) were resolved by a five-member group.
Findings: Two
facilitators — support for capacity building from a local health department and
presence of community partnerships — were identified as critical factors that
contributed to the success of SNAP-Ed implementation.
A local health department can increase SNAP-Ed intervention
reach and uptake by assisting funded partners with further capacity building,
helping them to develop feasible work plans, foster evaluation skills, and
engage in sustainability planning.