In 2014, California became the first state to authorize an out-of-school-time (OST) health promotion program. The Distinguished After School Health (DASH) program awards a 2-year certificate to OST programs that implement its nutrition and physical activity standards. RTI is partnering with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to evaluate DASH’s reach and impact. Specific aims of this study are to: 1) obtain quantitative survey data on reach and impact, comparing providers that applied for DASH certification with eligible non-applicants on measures of reach, benefits, and barriers to certification, implementation of DASH nutrition practices, and training and technical assistance needs; and 2) obtain qualitative data on applicant experiences with DASH on impact and to inform policy growth and maintenance. Quantitative data will be collected using an online survey. Qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with DASH applicants and document reviews to assess the validity of applicant claims. Four main outcome measures will be examined: 1) nutrition practices consistent with DASH standards; 2) perceived benefits to certification; 3) experience participating in nutrition capacity-building efforts; and 4) nutrition training and technical assistance needs.
Start Date: February 2017
ID #: 74372
Principal Investigator: Jean Wiecha, PhD, MS
Organization: Research Triangle Institute
Funding Round: Round 10
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, American Indian, Asian, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, White
State: California
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, Nutrition standards, Out-of-School Time, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages
Resource Type: Grant Summary
Focus Area: School & After School
Related Research
February 2023
Rapid Health Impact Assessment on Changes to School Nutrition Standards to Align with 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The national school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are cornerstone federal nutrition assistance programs. School meals are one of the healthiest sources of foods for school-age children, which is significant as some children receive up to half of their daily calories at school. Policy opportunities in 2023 MoreNovember 2022
Promising Strategies to Increase Student Participation in School Meals
School meal programs play a critical role in feeding children. Meals served in school are generally of better nutritional quality than those that students bring from home and have been linked to improved academic performance and household food security. The aim of this research brief is to highlight and summarize rigorous evidence from a new MoreAugust 2022