The implementation of a school-based intervention to address food insecurity: a mixed-methods evaluation of the Helping Hands Ending Hunger program.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implementation of a school-based intervention, Helping Hands Ending Hunger (HHEH), to distribute food, including fresh produce supplementation, to families.

DESIGN

We conducted a convergent mixed-methods evaluation that collected data from family HHEH participants and key informants (KIs). At two points (Winter and Spring), family representatives responded to a brief survey of closed- and open-ended questions. KIs were school-based implementers who participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed separately and then integrated.

SETTING

United States: Georgia-based HHEH schools implementing fresh produce supplementation (n 11).

PARTICIPANTS

Family survey respondents (Winter n 95; Spring n 35) and school-based KIs (eleven representatives from eight schools).

RESULTS

The family survey data indicated that HHEH reaches people in need (more than 75 % food insecure; more than 55 % receiving free- or reduced-priced meals), with room for expansion. Families reported an average of 13·3 (Winter) and 15·5 (Spring) different types of fruit and vegetables at home in the past week. About 31 % (Winter) and 49 % (Spring) indicated that all or most of the fruit and vegetables they eat comes from HHEH. KIs indicated that they adopted the program to offer more support to the families of students. Identifying a team to implement the program, dedicating time to establish the program, and testing protocols were recommended to ease implementation. KIs expressed certainty about continuing the program.

CONCLUSION

HHEH was well-received by families and school-based implementers. With the potential need for more families to receive HHEH food, this evaluation could inform wider adoption.