Overview
Altarum works with the state of Maine to evaluate and optimize their SNAP-Ed program, the nutrition education component of SNAP, which is the largest hunger safety net program in the United States.
Our Approach
As part of a multiyear assessment, Altarum evaluated Maine SNAP-Ed’s Pick a Better Snack program, a school-based nutrition intervention. We conducted an evaluation of 222 families using pre- and post-surveys to compare changes over time in fruit and vegetable consumption among students receiving the program and parents who received take-home materials.
Altarum also conducted a randomized telephone survey of 600 SNAP-recipients to evaluate Maine SNAP-Ed’s ability to reach low-income audiences with targeted messages promoting healthy eating.
Results
Altarum’s evaluation of the Pick a Better Snack program revealed positive dietary changes in both students and parents after the completion of the program, and helped make the case to continue the program. Additionally, we demonstrated that targeted nutrition messages are effective in reaching low-income communities. Our work in Maine has led to similar assessments in other states implementing SNAP-Ed.
Contact Us
Sheryl Mathis - MSW, MPH
Senior Director, Community Health
Areas of Expertise- Maternal and Child Health
- Program Implementation and Technical Assistance
- Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methodologies
Sheryl Mathis leads a portfolio of community health and well-being programs, from maternal and child health (MCH), behavioral health and substance use disorder, to food and nutrition and sexual health. Sheryl has 20 years of experience managing and advancing programs administered by HRSA, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and state health agencies, including multi-year, cross-disciplinary initiatives to strengthen the diversity and capacity of the MCH workforce; and strategic initiatives to maximize health improvements through cross-organization collaboration. Sheryl holds a MSW in program administration and an MPH in population and family health from Columbia University.