Evaluation of the PA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education: Online Nutrition Education Dissemination During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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This webinar was presented live on April 5, 2023.

The COVID-19 Pandemic forced a transition from in-person to virtual education for many. This change to online learning caused many challenges for educators and students. Drexel University's PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly (DRX ERP) Program created and conducting virtual nutrition education programs with K-12th grade students in the School District of Philadelphia, requiring new skills and adaptation of traditional teaching methods. To evaluate the effectiveness of DRX ERP virtual education, an external evaluator studied the effectiveness of the DRX ERP High School Curriculum delivered virtually in six Philadelphia high schools. Participant behavior change was assessed and nutrition coordinator's observations of conducting virtual programming was noted. Lessons learned can help to guide future virtual nutrition education programming. Virtual learning opportunities should be considered as an option to reach participants and a potential to meet under-served participants.

CPE Level: 1
CPEU: 1
Performance Indicators: 6.6, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the challenges of conducting virtual nutrition education.
• Suggest methods to engage students in virtual education.
• Examine how virtual nutrition education can be a successful method to reach participants and underserved populations.

Speaker

Kusuma K Schofield, MSEd, MPH

Kusuma K. Schofield is a public health professional with over 16 years of experience in SNAP-Ed programming. Kusuma serves as the Administrative Coordinator at Drexel University's PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly Program, where a focus of her work is on the assessment and evaluation of the Eat Right Philly Program. Kusuma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, as well as master's degrees in Higher Education and Public Health. She is also currently a PhD candidate in nutrition sciences at Drexel University. She has vast experience in public health volunteer work where she serves on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Security Affinity Group. She also works with the American Public Health Association's (APHA) Education Board as Co-Chair, and Education Board Chair of the Assessment and Evaluation Section. She is passionate about SNAP-Ed and public health advocacy. She works with the APHA Joint Policy Committee and APHA Food and Nutrition Section Policy Committee, where her committee contributions have been recognized by staff members in Congress to help shape policies for child nutrition programs.

Judy Ensslin, MS, RDN, LDN

Judy Ensslin is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with a diverse background in nutrition leadership and education. Judy obtained her BS degree in Dietetics from the University of Delaware, an MS Degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph's University, and a certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Drexel University. She dedicated twenty years to healthcare nutrition management, has taught nutrition at various colleges and universities, and has owned a nutrition consulting business. For the past 13 years, Judy has worked with Drexel University's PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly Program, initially as the Program Manager, and promoted to Program Director in 2016. She currently serves on the Executive committee of the PA SNAP-Ed Director's Group.