Analysis of Service Providers’ Views on Nutrition Education For Limited Resource Audiences

Abstract

The University of Minnesota Extension Simply Good Eating Program conducted focus groups with limited-resource individuals and service providers throughout Minnesota to assess the quality and effectiveness of nutrition education programs. It was important to learn more about the target populations (i.e. the poor and their communities). Service providers that were interviewed live and work in the community and already work with the population being targeted by Health and Nutrition. Focus group questions were developed to explore the strengths and assets of the participants, barriers to participation, and preferred methods of learning. Questions were also asked regarding improved methods for program delivery, and alternative ways to encourage program participation. Better understanding these issues from the community service provider’s knowledge and experiences will provide a more holistic view of participants’ assets, barriers and contexts. This understanding assists the Health and Nutrition Educators in assessing the quality and effectiveness of current programming efforts. Another purpose of analyzing the service provider focus groups with the participant focus groups is to share the results of the focus groups with service providers from across the state. Results indicated that service providers felt important considerations in delivering nutrition education include: relevant education to participant’s current situation; hands-on learning including cooking activities with simple recipes; and time to build relationships. The perception of barriers and needs were quite similar between providers and participants. However a condescending tone, specifically with providers to rural Caucasian clients, was observed.