Evaluation of Summer Nutrition and SNAP Food Restriction Waiver in Iowa
Overview
Altarum partners with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to provide evidence-based insights to help inform nutrition programs and policies. Altarum recently completed an evaluation of Healthy Kids Iowa, a state-designed pilot program that provided youth with monthly boxes of nutritious foods during the summer months. Altarum is also currently assessing the impact of the Iowa SNAP food restriction waiver demonstration project. SNAP is the largest food assistance program in the United States. The waiver will change what Iowa SNAP participants can purchase using SNAP funds.
Approach
Altarum’s evaluation of Healthy Kids Iowa included surveys of participating families on their experiences and satisfaction with the program. In addition, surveys were conducted with food banks and local distribution site partners to gather in-depth insights on program implementation.
For the SNAP food restriction demonstration waiver, Altarum is currently conducting a study to examine changes in SNAP participant behaviors and purchasing patterns before and after a waiver.
Results
Results from the Healthy Kids Iowa evaluation indicated strong participant appreciation for the program and access to a variety of nutritious foods, while also identifying logistical and operational challenges faced by coordination and distribution partners. A brief report summarizing key results is available.
Findings from the SNAP waiver demonstration project are in process and expected to be available in late 2026.
Together, information gathered from these evaluations equips Iowa with evidence to refine nutrition program strategies and inform future program design and policy decisions.