O24 Small Swaps, Big Changes: Sodium Reduction in School and Community Meals

Objective Use process and outcome evaluation techniques to evaluate a Sodium Reduction in Communities Program implemented with 58 schools, 17 early childhood education (ECE) centers, and 5 community meals programs across northwest Arkansas. Use of Theory or Research Increased sodium consumption is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and sodium reduction is associated with numerous health benefits. Community-based participatory research and behavioral economics approaches were used to develop tailored strategies to reduce sodium. Target Audience The target audience includes program staff, K-12 and ECE students and staff, low-income individuals accessing community meals, and managers of partner programs. Program Description A variety of sodium reduction strategies, including ingredient substitutions, meal/menu modifications, standardized purchasing lists, and behavioral economics were implemented across all sites to reduce the sodium content of meals. Evaluation Methods To evaluate program implementation, data were collected at baseline and annually thereafter. Evaluation data were collected via detailed menu information, production records, point-of-sale records, purchasing lists, and interviews with program staff. Each year, evaluation findings are used to improve program activities. Results The program now reaches more than 50,000 individuals per day. To date, 90 menu items have been affected by recipe modification across all sites. From Baseline to Year 3, the sodium content of entrees offered, entrees served, and meals served in schools decreased 13.5%, 4.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. Among ECEs and community meals, the sodium content of meals offered and meals served decreased 39.4% and 18.8%, respectively, from Baseline to Year 3. Conclusion Sodium reduction strategies in schools, ECEs, and community meals programs lead to a reduction in sodium served to students, staff, and clients. The program will continue to be expanded and enhanced using process and outcomes evaluation findings, ultimately leading to a reduction in sodium consumption and chronic disease incidence in northwest Arkansas. Funding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.