Evaluating Food Policy Councils Using Structural Equation Modeling

At least 282 Food Policy Councils (FPCs) are currently working to improve access to healthy foods in their communities by connecting food system sectors, gathering community input, and advising food policy. Empirical research on FPCs is limited. This study empirically evaluates FPCs to better unders...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Calancie, L., Allen, N.E., Ng, S.W., Weiner, B.J., Ward, D.S., Ware, W.B., Ammerman, A.S.
Other Authors: School of Medicine, UNC Center for Health Equity Research, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Education
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley Blackwell 2018
Subjects:
Evaluation
Food Policy Councils
Structural equation modeling
Community coalition
Food system
Public health
Canada
First Nations
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.17615/a8zb-fr43
https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/xs55mn674?file=thumbnail
https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/xs55mn674
Description
Summary:At least 282 Food Policy Councils (FPCs) are currently working to improve access to healthy foods in their communities by connecting food system sectors, gathering community input, and advising food policy. Empirical research on FPCs is limited. This study empirically evaluates FPCs to better understand the relationships between Organizational Capacity, Social Capital, and Council Effectiveness by testing a FPC Framework adapted from Allen and colleagues (2012). Members of all FPCs in the U.S., Canada, and Native American Tribes and First Nations were invited to complete the Food Policy Council Self-Assessment Tool (FPC-SAT). Structural equation modeling was used to test the FPC Framework. Three hundred and fifty-four FPC members from 95 councils completed the FPC-SAT. After slight modification, a revised FPC Framework was a good fit with the data (χ2 = 40.085, df = 24, p-value =.021, comparative fit index = 0.988, Tucker Lewis index = 0.982, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.044, p-close =.650). A moderation analysis revealed that community context influences the relationship between Social Capital and Council Effectiveness within the FPC Framework. The FPC Framework can guide capacity building interventions and FPC evaluations. The empirically tested framework can help FPCs efficiently work toward achieving their missions and improving their local food system.

Similar Items