Page Contents
Framework Component
Indicator Description
*SNAP-Ed Priority Outcome Indicator
Background and Context
Similar to MT1, this indicator measures changes reported by participants before and after participation in a series of nutrition education and food resource management classes. Two common survey questions for this indicator are using nutrition facts labels or shopping with a grocery list. A more sophisticated interpretation of this measure entails multiple survey questions using a Likert-type scale. Using multiple measures of related behavioral changes strengthens the likelihood of determining that participants are more frequently using targeted shopping and food resource management practices.
Outcome Measures
Healthful Shopping Practices:
MT2a. Choose healthy foods for my family on a budget
MT2b. Read nutrition facts labels or nutrition ingredients lists
MT2c. Buy 100 percent whole grain products
MT2d. Buy low-fat dairy or milk products
MT2e. Buy foods with lower added:
2e1. Solid fats (saturated and/or trans)
2e2. Sugar
2e3. Salt/sodium
MT2f. Buy fruits and vegetables—fresh, frozen, dried or canned in 100% juice
Stretch Food Dollars:
MT2g. Not run out of food before month’s end
MT2h. Compare prices before buying foods
MT2i. Identify foods on sale or use coupons to save money
MT2j. Shop with a list
MT2k. Batch cook (cook once; eat many times)
MT2l. Use unit pricing to find best values
MT2m. Cook healthy foods on a budget
What to Measure
At present, there is no standardized survey instrument or composite score used in SNAP-Ed programming due to the variety of curricula and population subgroups served. However, Land-grant Institutions (cooperative extension system) that conduct Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) classes, as well as other Implementing Agencies, may find it practical and cost-effective to use the same EFNEP food resource management questions in SNAP-Ed. Evaluators are also encouraged to measure the degree of correlation among the individual measures presented in this indicator.
The survey and data collection tools used to measure and assess maintenance of behavior changes in in MT2 should be used in LT2 when assessing long-term change (6 months or longer).
Population
Surveys and Data Collection Tools
https://townsendlab.ucdavis.edu/evaluation-research-tools/food-behavior-checklists/
- Do you run out of food before the end of the month [MT2h]
- Responses: no; yes, sometimes; yes, often; yes, always
- Do you use this label when food shopping? [image of Nutrition Facts Label] [MT2b]
- Responses: no; yes, sometimes; yes, often; yes, always
https://fsnep.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk2286/files/inline-files/PSSC_pre-post_NO%20NAME_ENG_FY17.pdf
- How often do you compare unit prices before you buy food? [MT2g]
- Responses: never, seldom, sometimes, most of the time, almost always
- How often do you shop with a grocery list? [MT2j]
- Responses: never, seldom, sometimes, most of the time, almost always
- How often do you use the “Nutrition Facts” on the food label to make food choices? [MT2b]
- Responses: never, seldom, sometimes, most of the time, almost always
https://townsendlab.ucdavis.edu/evaluation-research-tools/efnep-evaluation-tools-guides/
- I choose healthy foods for my family. [MT2a]
- Responses: no, sometimes, often, very often, almost always
- I shop with a list. [MT2j]
- Responses: no, sometimes, often, very often, almost always
- I compare prices. [MT2h]
- Responses: no, sometimes, often, very often, almost always
- I run out of food before the end of the month. [MT2g]
- Responses: no, sometimes, often, very often, almost always
- I use this food label [image of Nutrition Facts Label] [MT2b]
- Responses: no, sometimes, often, very often, almost always
https://cookingmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Survey.CMA_.English.pdf
- How often do you compare prices before you buy food? [MT2h]
- Responses: never, rarely, sometimes, often, always, does not apply
- How often do you use a grocery list when you go grocery shopping? [MT2j]
- Responses: never, rarely, sometimes, often, always, does not apply
- How often do you adjust meals to include specific ingredients that are more “budget-friendly,” like on sale or in your refrigerator or pantry? [MT2i, m]
- Responses: never, rarely, sometimes, often, always, does not apply
Additional evaluation tools to measure MT2 can be found in the SNAP-Ed Library.
Key Glossary Terms
Additional Resources or Supporting Citations
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/nutrition-education-materials/eat-right-when-moneys-tight
Barale K. Food Resource Management: An Evaluation of Measures of Behavior Change for EFNEP Participants.
https://www2.ag.purdue.edu/programs/hhs/efnep/Conferences/1A%20Barale%20FRM%20eval%20of%20behavior%20change%20Poster.pdf
Hersey J, Anliker J, Miller C, Mullis RM, Daugherty S, Das S, et al. Food Shopping Practices Are Associated with Dietary Quality in Low-Income Households. Journal of Nutrition Education 2001; 33(Supplement 1):S16-S26. Available at: http://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(06)60066-3/abstract.