Evaluating New York state early childhood obesity prevention programs

The Foundation's initiative, Statewide Evaluations of Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies, was designed to build the evidence base to prevent childhood obesity by evaluating state-level policies that might affect children's access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. This evaluation will focus on the newly implemented New York State WIC programs to prevent childhood obesity among the critical age group of children under age five. Specifically, the study will: (1) assess the uptake and response among WIC staff and participants to the new program elements; (2) assess the impact of the WIC obesity prevention program elements on obesity prevention behaviors among participating families; (3) assess the impact of WIC on physical activity levels; (4) assess the proportion of children enrolled in WIC who achieve or maintain a healthy weight; and (5) identify positive interactions between participation in WIC and other state programs and community healthy living resources for children. A final report will highlight the main impact analyses, integrating the relevant quantitative and qualitative data. It will include an illustration of ?best practices? with case studies. The results of this evaluation will be used to inform the revision of the Statewide Obesity Prevention Plan, to review and improve WIC program initiatives, and to improve coordination between WIC and other community resources and programs affecting healthy lifestyles among families with young children.