Identification of a Framework for Best Practices in Nutrition Education for Low-Income Audiences

Baker, S., Auld, G., Ammerman, A., Lohse, B., Serrano, E., & Wardlaw, M. K. (2020). Identification of a Framework for Best Practices in Nutrition Education for Low-Income Audiences. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52(5), 546–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2019.12.007

To promote effective low-income nutrition education programs, an expert panel of nutrition education and public health researchers built consensus around 28 best practices grouped into 5 domains (Program Design, Program Delivery, Educator Characteristics, Educator Training, and Evaluation) targeting direct delivery of nutrition education. These best practices can be used to assess program strengths, promote fidelity in delivery and evaluation, and design research to strengthen programs’ evidence base. A survey of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education nutrition education leaders helped identify staff development needs and interest relative to specific best practices. Best practices can be used to identify staff development needs among frontline educators, supervisors, and program leaders in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and other programs targeting low-income audiences. © 2019 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior