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Validation of a Novel Method to Evaluate Community-Based Interventions That Improve Access to Fruits and Vegetables

Author

Listed:
  • Louisa Ewald

    (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98105, USA)

  • Kate E. LeGrand

    (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98105, USA)

  • Claire-Lorentz Ugo-Ike

    (American Heart Association, Dallas, TX 75231, USA)

  • Sally Honeycutt

    (American Heart Association, Dallas, TX 75231, USA)

  • Jennifer L. Hall

    (American Heart Association, Dallas, TX 75231, USA)

  • Emmanuela Gakidou

    (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98105, USA)

  • Ali H. Mokdad

    (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98105, USA)

  • Gregory A. Roth

    (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA 98105, USA)

Abstract

Background: Current evaluation tools are inadequate for assessing the impact of small-scale interventions, such as farmer’s markets or community meal programs, on fruit and vegetable consumption. This study analyzes the pilot data of a novel tool designed to evaluate community-based programs’ impact on fruit and vegetable consumption. Our research addresses the gap in effective evaluation methods for dietary behaviors within underserved populations. Methods: The survey tool was developed through a participatory research approach involving interest holders and community members. We conducted a pilot survey across four community-based programs, validated the findings, and compared them against the data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results: This pilot survey demonstrated a high completion rate of 98.2%. Notably, 62.5% of respondents reported an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables since participating in the programs and cited cost, time, and accessibility as primary barriers to healthy eating. There is a strong, though not significant, correlation of 0.876 ( p = 0.12) between the pilot data of prevalence of daily fruit and vegetable consumption and the national average. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the survey tool effectively captures dietary behaviors and the influence of community-based programs. Further research is required to enhance its applicability in diverse settings and extend robust impact evaluation methods for these programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Louisa Ewald & Kate E. LeGrand & Claire-Lorentz Ugo-Ike & Sally Honeycutt & Jennifer L. Hall & Emmanuela Gakidou & Ali H. Mokdad & Gregory A. Roth, 2025. "Validation of a Novel Method to Evaluate Community-Based Interventions That Improve Access to Fruits and Vegetables," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:312-:d:1594690
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kantor, Linda Scott, 2001. "Community Food Security Programs Improve Food Access," Food Review/ National Food Review, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, vol. 24(01), January.
    2. Darrell Hudson & Keon Gilbert & Melody Goodman, 2023. "Promoting Authentic Academic—Community Engagement to Advance Health Equity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-8, February.
    3. Paluta, Lauren & Kaiser, Michelle L. & Huber-Krum, Sarah & Wheeler, Jack, 2019. "Evaluating the impact of a healthy corner store initiative on food access domains," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 24-32.
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