New study describes a flexible recruitment strategy for schools that are socioeconomically comparable to SNAP-Ed schools

Researchers from the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute recruited 36 elementary schools from across California to serve as comparison schools to evaluate the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programming at school sites. School-based SNAP-Ed initiatives include direct nutrition and physical activity education, indirect education, such as materials sent home to families, and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies that promote healthy eating to advance food and nutrition security, reduce diet-related chronic disease, and promote equity. The research team developed and implemented a flexible recruitment strategy that allowed for different routes to administrative and district approval of socioeconomically similar comparison schools. In addition, they learned to effectively use a combination of online and in-person communication, build relationships with various administrators, and highlight the tangible benefits of participation when recruiting. Led by Amanda Linares, Phoebe Harpainter, Kaela Plank, and Gail Woodward-Lopez, the study was published in the Journal of Extension. The study is funded by USDA's SNAP-Ed and is supported by the California Department of Public Health Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch.