Development of an Evaluation Plan for Supermarket Nutrition Tours Using a Logic Map and the Theory of Reasoned Action

J. Carson, J. Hedl, H. Cattlett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Based on evidence of hunger among lower income children in Dallas, the Dallas Food and Nutrition Consortium initiated the Smart Shoppers Program. The three one hour supermarket tours were designed to extend the purchasing power of food stamps to provide healthy foods for families receiving federal food assistance. Evaluation was critical for this innovative pilot project-both for replication of the project and documentation of impact. The logic map developed included assumptions made during the project design, the activities developed based on these assumptions and the anticipated initial and long term outcomes. Based on the logic map, data collection was planned to address whether each step of the map did lead to the next. For example, "Did quality tours lead to participants attending subsequent tours?" This approach was less expensive and less time consuming than studies of nutrient intake and nutritional status, while still justifying the cost of the nutrition education. Based upon the theory of reasoned action, the evaluation gathered simple measures of the individuals' attitudes about purchasing healthy foods on a limited budget, the views of their families regarding healthy foods and their intent to purchase healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). Evaluation was complicated by participants with limited reading ability, who spoke only Spanish and were rather transient. Key to the evaluation plan was an illustrated questionnaire administered by community peer workers to participants prior to tours and four to six weeks after the first tour. The use of a logic map allows development of a comprehensive evaluation plan which can promote the replication of effective programs. Documenting achievement of the early phases of the logic map gives credence to the ultimate goal of optimal nutrition for children without expense amidst the challenges of the public health arena. (This project was funded, in part, through Cooperative Agreement Number 58-3198-4-049 with the Food and Nutrition Service, US Department of Agriculture [FNS, USDA]. The opinions or conclusions expressed herein do not, however, necessarily reflect those of the FNS, USDA).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)A66
JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association
Volume95
Issue number9 SUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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