Nutrition Supports Deconstructed and Disrupted: An Evaluation of a Multilevel School-Based Intervention during the Time of COVID

Abstract

The Best Food Forward (BFF) project aims to provide multiple nutrition supports and interventions to improve family food security (FS) and health outcomes associated with FS within two metropolitan school districts. A quasi-experimental time-series design guided a multilevel evaluation for BFF through surveys, biometric screenings, focus groups, and observations among a random sample of caregiver–child dyads. FS, utilization of school meal programs, and nutrition behaviors were observed and analyzed at three time points: preintervention, postintervention pre-COVID-19, and postintervention post-COVID-19. Participants included 122 parents and 162 youth. Families reported (1) an income less than $35,000 annually (48.8%) and (2) a COVID-19-related job loss (36.9%). Parents used Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs or Women, Infants, Children benefits prior to (51.1%) and following COVID-19 (50.0%). No significant differences in FS were found. RM-ANOVA indicated an increase in breakfast consumption at home and a decrease in use of the school breakfast program (F(1.78, 74) = 19.64, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.21) and school lunch program (F(1.51, 74) = 23.30, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.24). Rates of FS and eating behaviors did not change significantly over time. Correlations of program usage and eating behaviors demonstrate the importance of promoting participation in school meal programs. BFF may have prevented significant decreases in FS during COVID-19.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Experiences and Operations of Sponsors of the Summer Food Service Program in Maryland, USA: A Multiphase Mixed Methods Study

“…In 2020, the total number of meals served by Maryland SFSP sponsors significantly increased compared to summer 2019 despite decreases in the total number of sites and individual-site participation [ 6 ]. Yet, sponsors expressed concern about decreased meal participation during the pandemic for several reasons, such as lack of awareness which corroborates findings from an evaluation of a US school-based nutrition intervention program during the pandemic [ 28 ]. Sponsors in our study shared the belief that decreased contact with families and increased federal support impacted meal participation at their sites [ 28 ].…”

“…Yet, sponsors expressed concern about decreased meal participation during the pandemic for several reasons, such as lack of awareness which corroborates findings from an evaluation of a US school-based nutrition intervention program during the pandemic [ 28 ]. Sponsors in our study shared the belief that decreased contact with families and increased federal support impacted meal participation at their sites [ 28 ]. Another concern was the unpredictable fluctuations in meal participation which ultimately impacted organizational spending and potentially coming out with a deficit.…”

The Future of School Health Education in the United States: An Ontology

“…• SOPHE-Model Toolkit for School Health Educators (Website)126 • SOPHE-School Health Education Teacher Preparation Model Guidance (Website)127 …”

The impact of SNAP-Ed interventions on California students’ diet and physical activity during COVID-19

“…backpacks of shelf-stable groceries or bulk food items (9)(10)(11)(12) . Despite the new flexibility of school meal service during COVID-19, student participation in school meal programmes decreased, potentially jeopardising the nutrition they provide (13,14) . To date, data on child diet quality during COVID-19 remains limited.…”

“…When schools shuttered, districts were forced to pivot to new and innovative ways to ensure regular access to school meals, such as meal pick-up by car or on foot, grab-and-go options, home delivery in rural areas, partnerships with local food banks and pantries, and provision of backpacks of shelf-stable groceries or bulk food items ( 9 – 12 ) . Despite the new flexibility of school meal service during COVID-19, student participation in school meal programmes decreased, potentially jeopardising the nutrition they provide ( 13 , 14 ) . To date, data on child diet quality during COVID-19 remains limited.…”