How to Use the Framework
SNAP-Ed Priority Outcome Indicators
Priority indicators can be identified by looking for the * symbol.
Four Core Indicators
All states are strongly encouraged to measure the following four core indicators of changes in the medium-term components of the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework: MT1, MT2, MT3, and MT5. The first three are indicators of behavioral changes in SNAP-Ed participants in direct education programs. The fourth is a multicomponent indicator of adoption and reach of nutrition PSE changes and promotion across the environmental settings where SNAP-Ed eligible populations eat, learn, live, play, shop, and work.
Two Partnerships and Coalition Indicators (measure at least one)
All states are strongly encouraged to measure at least one or both of the following indicators of partnerships and coalitions associated with short-term components of the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework. The first indicator, ST7, tracks active partnerships in SNAP-Ed qualified sites or organizations that regularly meet, exchange information, and identify and implement mutually reinforcing activities that will contribute to adoption of one or more organizational changes, policies, or other environmental supports. The second indicator, ST8, identifies changes in multi-sector partnerships representing diverse sectors of influence or industries at the local (e.g., community, district, parish, city, town, county, or borough), state, territorial, or tribal levels. The community may be defined by geographic, demographic, or civic or political boundaries. ST8 is suitable for assessing the strength of the State Nutrition Action Council (SNAC) or other nutrition, food systems, and obesity prevention coalitions.
Population Results Indicator (measure, if possible)
All states are strongly encouraged to measure the Fruits and Vegetables indicator, R2, in the Population Results section of the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework. Population Results indicators are markers of the low-income population’s achievement of recommendations put forth in the current Dietary Guidelines for American and Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and their associated health and well-being. Population-level indicators measure changes over time in the behaviors that promote positive health outcomes. R2 measures low-income people (within 185% of the federal poverty level) that ate fruits one or more times per day and vegetables one or more times per day.
Using the Interpretive Guide: Making the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework Work for You
Step 1: | Reflect on your State SNAP-Ed Plan goals and objectives and state or local needs assessment results. Key questions:
|
Step 2: | Review the framework diagram to identify which indicators overlap with your goals and objectives. Key questions:
|
Step 3: | Familiarize yourself with the terms used in the glossary to understand the language of the framework. |
Step 4: | Develop a set of criteria for selecting indicators for your state or local project. Key questions:
|
Step 5: | Choose one or more indicators for your monitoring and evaluation plan. Key questions:
|
Step 6: | Study the indicator interpretive guide write-ups for your selected indicators. Key questions:
|
Step 7: | Select appropriate outcome measures for each indicator. Key questions:
|
Step 8: | Communicate your indicators and outcome measures to senior management and other stakeholders, and where applicable, sub-grantees or local providers. Key questions:
|
Step 9: | Implement your training and technical assistance plans. Key questions:
|
An Example of Using the Interpretive Guide is also provided.