A Public Response to Childhood Obesity: Evaluating the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in Texas Schools
Date
2007-12
Authors
Boukhris, Tommy Tahar
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Abstract
The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has introduced new challenges to public health policy makers. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a policy response to this issue. This study assessed the FFVP, a federal intervention program designed to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among school-aged children. Elementary, middle, and high schools in Texas that participate in the FFVP were matched with schools that did not participate in the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years. Difficulties in measuring consumption were encountered. Due to problems experienced in measuring actual fruit and vegetable consumption, spending on fruits and vegetables by the schools was used as a weak proxy for consumption. Differences were found in the 2006-2007 school year between the FFVP grant schools, and the non-FFVP grant schools. Challenges to program evaluation in this context were developed.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Fall 2007.
Keywords
childhood obesity, fresh fruit, fresh vegetable, Texas, schools
Citation
Boukhris, T. T. (2007). A public response to childhood obesity: Evaluating the fresh fruit and vegetable program in Texas schools. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.