Introduction
This study evaluated the Los Angeles Unified School
District Nutrition Network, a large multicomponent nutrition and physical
activity program in an ethnically diverse school district, launched in 2000.
Methods
We calculated descriptive statistics and performed
hierarchical logistic regression on school-level demographic and implementation
data.
Results
Thirty-six percent of eligible schools participated in
2001, and 79% of participating schools reapplied the following year. Elementary
schools and schools that applied for grant money were more likely to reapply.
Produce sampling was the most frequently cited program highlight, and making
purchases with program grant money was the most frequently cited challenge.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that schools serving students of
low socioeconomic status and diverse ethnicities can be recruited into a large
program to promote healthy dietary choices and physical activity, especially
elementary schools. Effectiveness and institutionalization of the program might
be positively affected by fostering local ownership, allowing school personnel
who apply for the grant to tailor the program to their individual schools.