Rationale: SNAP-Ed and EFNEP networks critically need a pedagogically sound competency-based training system, an organized collection of resources and access to broad network of technical assistance to support effective PSE implementation based upon a continuum of readiness levels.

Our long-term goal is to reduce the incidence of obesity among low-income families and children through the use of PSE approaches that complement and are integrated with SNAP-Ed and EFNEP direct nutrition education strategies.

Co-PIs

• Laura Stephenson, PhD, Director, PSE Center, University of Tennessee• Karen Franck, PhD, Associate Director, PSE Center and Evaluation Specialist, University of Tennessee• Marsha Davis, PhD, Associate Director, PSE Center, Public Health and Evaluation Specialist, University of Georgia• Loren Bell, Food Assistance and Program Policy Specialist, Altarum Institute• Sarah Colby, PhD, Social Marketing and Nutrition Behavior Specialist, University of Tennessee• Kristopher R. Grimes, PhD, EFNEP and Nutrition Behavior Specialist, Kentucky State University• Maria G. Fabregas Janeiro (Lupita), PhD, Intercultural Competency Specialist, University of California• Soghra Jarvandi, MD, PhD, Community Health Specialist, University of Tennessee• Yoonsung Jung, PhD, Statistician, Prairie View A&M University• Rachel Novotny, PhD, Population Based Health Assessment and Change Specialist, University of Hawaii at Manoa• Elizabeth Payne, JD, Tribal Nations Specialist, Oklahoma State University• Karla Shelnutt, PhD, SNAP-Ed Specialist, University of Florida• Danielle Treadwell, PhD, Food Systems Specialist and eXtension Liaison , University of Florida• Jacquelyn White, EdD, EFNEP and Intercultural Specialist , Prairie View A&M University

Objectives

Objective 1: Enhance the ability of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP networks to effectively implement and evaluate obesity prevention PSE strategies for low-income populations throughout the lifespan

Objective 2: Strengthen SNAP-Ed and EFNEP nutrition education interventions through incorporation of effective culturally-responsive public health approaches that are centered on readiness to change best practices

Target Audiences

SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Networks

• SNAP-Ed State Directors and SNAP-Ed Regional Directors

• EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinators

• EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Educators

Aim 1

Situational Analysis : Complete a situational analysis of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs related to PSE adoption and implementation to identify facilitators, barriers, best practices, training and evaluation needs.

• Environmental Scan

• Delphi Study

• Key Informant Interviews

• Surveys

Aim 2Competency Based PSE Training: Develop, disseminate, and evaluate systematic competency-based PSE instruction, guidelines, and resources that are tailored to the needs of:

• SNAP-Ed State Directors and SNAP-Ed Regional Directors

• EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Coordinators

• EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Educators

Aim 3

Community Readiness to Change: Adapt and disseminate readiness to change resources to strengthen SNAP-Ed and EFNEP organizational, community, and neighborhood coalition efforts to implement PSE strategies. This will include the integration and dissemination of findings from Colby, Shelnutt, Davis and Novotny’s work with obesity prevention efforts.

• Children’s Healthy Living Program in Remote Underserved Minority Populations of the Pacific (CHL)• iCook-4H: A 4-H Program to Promote Culinary Skills and Family Meals for Obesity Prevention • "Get Fruved:" A peer-led, train-the-trainer social marketing intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intake and

prevent childhood obesity • The Girls Health Enrichment Multi-Site Study, an obesity prevention pilot intervention for girls• Taking National School Wellness Policy to Scale: Evaluating School Food Policy Implementation within Georgia Schools• Action Pack Families, Changing School and Home Environments

Aim 4Intercultural Competency: Culturally responsive public health approaches are key for addressing and respecting the needs of diverse communities.

Expertise of PSE center is informed by current and previous work of Fabregas, Grimes, Novotny, Payne and White focused on high risk African American, Hispanic, Native Americans and Pacific Islander populations.

Expected Outcomes

1. Multi-level collaborations and linkages are established in support of local SNAP-Ed and EFNEP PSE approaches for diverse audiences.

2. SNAP-Ed and EFNEP networks access and utilize resources specifically designed to strengthen their PSE approaches.

3. SNAP-Ed and EFNEP networks increase competency in PSE implementation.

First Year Action Steps• Discovery phase – Assess situation, gaps and needs

• Coordinate with RNECEs and Coordinating Center

• Develop list of expected areas of PSE competence and skills for each of the target audiences

• Develop training plan based upon identified competencies

• Develop web site

• Implement trainings

Coordinating and Collaborating?

Where do you see overlaps in our work that need to be addressed?

Where do you see the opportunities for our collaborative work?

How do we engage the target audiences most effectively together?