O10 Pivoting Amidst COVID-19: Feedback and Behavioral Outcomes Among SNAP-Ed Virtual Nutrition Education Participants

Objective

To evaluate Health Promotion Council's (HPC) virtual implementation of the Just Say Yes (JSY) curriculum, and assess participants’ behavioral outcomes.

Use of Theory or Research

JSY was developed by the NY Department of Health in response to focus groups and market research with food pantry clients showing minimal fruit/vegetable intake and interest in learning healthy, affordable dishes. Data indicate JSY increases intent to consume produce, utilize curriculum recipes, and exercise.

Target Audience

SNAP-Ed eligible adult Philadelphia residents who participated in a virtual JSY series conducted by HPC from 10/2020-1/2021.

Program Description

HPC is a Pennsylvania SNAP-Ed implementing partner in Philadelphia. Due to COVID-19, HPC pivoted from in-person to virtual programming. HPC nutrition educators taught JSY's 13 weekly lessons via Zoom, supplementing the interactive 30-45 minute classes with self-recorded cooking demonstrations of recipes meeting USDA Dietary Guidelines and JSY content.

Evaluation Methods

A survey administered via a secure online platform collected self-reported behavioral outcomes and participant feedback on various virtual programming dimensions. Outcome assessment utilized tools associated with JSY evaluation indicators identified in the SNAP-Ed Toolkit. Within 3 weeks of completion, nutrition educators disseminated the survey to participants who completed at least 1 virtual JSY lesson.

Results

Of eligible individuals, 27% (n = 6) completed the survey. All respondents strongly agreed they enjoyed virtual participation. Eighty-three percent (n = 5) strongly agreed they learned something new, and had prepared provided recipes; 67% (n = 4) strongly agreed cook-along videos were useful. Most respondents indicated trying to eat more fruits (83%) and vegetables (67%) after JSY. The frequency of several healthy behaviors increased when respondents compared actions before and after participation. Additional responses will be available as HPC continues JSY virtually throughout 2021.

Conclusion

Virtual provision of JSY facilitated HPC's programmatic resilience, allowing for continued services empowering individuals to maximize nutritional/dietary health. Resultsant participant satisfaction, uptake, and behavior change may support virtual programming utility and viability as a complement to in-person implementation.