Maine Nutrition Network

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Maine Nutrition Network Update 2009
Presented by Chris Sady, MS, RD
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Presentation Outline

• Current Challenges
• Social Marketing Strategies
• Unique Partnerships
• Evaluation Strategies

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Challenges

• Staff Turnover
• Recruitment of Target Audience
• Implementing the Education and Administrative
  Reporting System (EARS)

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Overcoming Staffing Challenges

• More use of technology for efficiency
• Working through the University of Maine System to
  get the most qualified candidates
• Using consultants for the short term
• Prioritizing the work

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Overcoming Recruitment Challenges

• More work with partners on recruitment strategies
  
• Making sure participants understand the
  commitment
• Learning more about the audience

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Overcoming EARS Challenges

• Continuing to design project specific forms and
  systems to collect information
• Educating staff and partners about collecting
  EARS data
• Working closely with the FSP manager and UMCE,
  the other SNAP-Ed implementing agency

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• Healthy Weight Awareness Campaign

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Healthy Weight Awareness Campaign Strategies

• Deliver messages using social marketing
  principles and a variety of communication
  channels to reach FSP participants/eligibles.
• TV, Radio, Newspapers (2002-2005)
• Direct Mail, Posters, Calendars (2003-2008)

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Campaign Messages

• Increase fruit vegetable consumption
• Reduce portion sizes
• Limit soda consumption
• Incorporate daily physical activity
• Limit screen time (TV computer)
• Adding a new message
• Increase whole grain consumption

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Reaching our Target Audience

• Direct Mailings
• Local DHHS offices
• WIC offices
• Partner programming

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Feedback from audience focus groups

• Provide simple tools we can use
• Make life easier, more convenient
• Ideas for healthy, low-cost recipes
• Ideas to be physically active in my own community
• Tips for healthy weight loss

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Simple Tools the Audience Can Use

• Nutrition Health Calendars
• Magnets
• Placemats
• Canvas Tote Bags

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(No Transcript)
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Key Partners

• DHHS, Maine Center for Disease Control and
  Prevention (Maine CDC)
• Maine Physical Activity, Nutrition and Healthy
  Weight Program
• Maine Women, Infants and Children Nutrition
  Program (WIC)
• University of Southern Maine, Muskie School
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension

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Unique Partnerships

• Local DHHS Offices
• WIC Offices
• St. Marys Health System

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Unique Partnerships

• Direct mailings for the campaign with
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Maine Department of Conservation
• Winter Kids

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Evaluation

• Use a variety of techniques to get a clear
  picture of program impact
• School-based project
• Pre and post surveys
• Site monitoring
• Key informant interviews

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Thank You!

• Chris Sady, MS, RD
• Maine Nutrition Network
• Muskie School of Public Service
• University of Southern Maine
• 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 11
• Augusta, ME 04330
• 207 626-5242
• csady_at_usm.maine.edu