Exploring Capacity for Future Sustainability of Healthy Eating Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies Previously Implemented Through SNAP-Ed Programming

OBJECTIVE: To explore the capacity for future sustainability of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies adopted through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) programming. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews. SETTING: Southeastern state. PARTICIPANTS: Key personnel (n = 30) from sites (n = 30) that adopted a PSE strategy in partnership with SNAP-Ed. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Domains of capacity for future sustainability of PSE strategies. ANALYSIS: Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify if sustainability domains were evidenced or not evidenced. Themes of sustainability were identified. RESULTS: Themes included: (1) sustained and going strong, (2) sustained with site investment but unstable, (3) sustained but lacking site investment, (4) sustained but with site planning to discontinue, and (5) not sustained but with site interested in reviving. The partnership and continued SNAP-Ed involvement were the domains most evidenced among high vs low-capacity sites. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Most PSE strategies examined had been maintained, though not all the sites demonstrated high capacity for future strategy sustainability. Findings underscore the need to ensure a team approach in implementing PSE strategies that include leadership from people previously eligible for SNAP-Ed programming. Because of the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding, the findings can help inform the development and delivery of future nutrition education and promotion programs.