Start Date: January 2016

ID #: CAS032

Organization: RTI International

Project Lead: Jean Wiecha, PhD

See more related research

Share


The purpose of this project is to examine the use of state policy approaches to promote the implementation of the National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (NAA HEPA) standards. The research team will build a conceptual framework, elicit expert opinion on state policy approaches, analyze real-world experiences using case studies in two states, and synthesize the findings and develop policy recommendations. Characteristics of successful policy interventions will be identified and mapped alongside the NAA HEPA standards. This will be used to inform the development of an interview guide that will be used to gather experts’ opinions of best models of state policy, perceived benefits and potential unintended consequences, and ideas for adapting the NAA HEPA standards for state policy. The team will also gather information to compare the role of state policy in out-of-school time with its role in early care and education. They will use this information to develop recommendations for facilitating the translation of NAA HEPA standards into state policy and summarize these findings in a whitepaper.

Related Research

November 2016

Using State Laws & Regulations to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in Afterschool Programs

Out-of-School time (OST) programs are a promising setting for reducing child obesity risk by promoting healthy eating and providing opportunities for physical activity. The Healthy Out-of-School Time Coalition developed the National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity standards in 2011 to provide comprehensive guidance on how to promote healthy eating and physical activity. To More

October 2026

Cross-Sectional Evaluation of WIC Participation Status and Massachusetts Children’s Nutrition after the Cash-Value Benefit Increase

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) increased the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables in 2021. Although WIC participants reported increased purchasing, consumption, and variety of fruits and vegetables after the CVB increase, it is unknown whether this resulted in higher fruit and vegetable intake relative to nonparticipants. The More

October 2026

An Electronic Health Record-Based Intervention to Facilitate Primary Care Referrals to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: Retrospective Cohort Study

This study evaluated responses to an electronic health record (EHR)-embedded federal nutrition program (FNP) participation screening and WIC referral tool implemented within 8 clinics during well-child visits for children younger than 5 years of age. Structured EHR data from July 2020 to October 2023 were extracted to summarize screening, referral acceptance, WIC enrollment outcomes, and More