The Nutrition Policy Institute is excited to share our latest peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Community Health, “Dietary Effects of School-Based SNAP-Ed Education with and without Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies.” This study examines how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, commonly known as SNAP-Ed, interventions impact the dietary behaviors of fourth and fifth grade students in California. Findings show that when nutrition and physical activity education is paired with policy, systems, and environmental change strategies—such as improving school food environments through nutrition standards, behavioral economics, or access to healthy foods—students consume fruits and vegetables more frequently and sugary drinks less frequently. In contrast, schools implementing education alone saw some unintended increases in sugary drink intake frequency. These findings underscore the importance of combining education with complementary changes to the school environment to support healthy behaviors. The peer-reviewed study was authored by NPI researcher Amanda Linares and others. A two-page research brief is also available, highlighting key results and implications for schools and program implementers. The research brief was created by NPI's Reka Vasicsek, Summer Cortez, Amanda Linares, and Miranda Westfall Brown.
