Characteristics Of Extension's Food And Nutrition Programming: A Content Analysis Of Plans Of Work

Extension Food and Nutrition Plans of Work (POWs) from 16 states for FY 1984–87 were analyzed to determine program content, target audiences, delivery methods, evaluation tools to be used, and impacts expected. Two‐thirds of Ex tension's programming efforts addressed areas of normal nutrition and family food management while one‐fifth addressed diet's relationship to health. Adults, families, youth, and low‐income persons were the most frequently cited target audiences for these Extension programs. Extension Specialists rely somewhat more on interpersonal methods of program delivery than on media methods. Evaluation methods that measure programmatic outcomes and knowledge gain were cited more frequently than measures of behavior change or improved nutri tional status. Nearly half of the estimated impacts in these POWs were measures of practice change and end results according to Bennett's Hierarchy. Thirty per cent of the estimated impacts were changes in health and nutrition status and decreased morbidity and mortality.