Evaluation of an extension-delivered resource for accelerating progress in childhood obesity prevention: The BEPA-toolkit

Gunter, K. B., Nader, P. A., Armington, A., Hicks, J. C., & John, D. (2017). Evaluation of an Extension-Delivered Resource for Accelerating Progress in Childhood Obesity Prevention: The BEPA-Toolkit. The Journal of Extension, 55(2), Article 23. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.02.23

The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit, or the BEPA-Toolkit, supports physical activity (PA) programming via Extension in elementary schools. In a pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the BEPA-Toolkit as used by teachers through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education partnerships. We surveyed teachers (n = 57) regarding their use of the kit and examined associations between teacher use of the kit and objectively measured PA of students (n = 1,103). Over 80% of responders reported that the BEPA-Toolkit provided additional opportunities for PA, and children regularly exposed to the kit were more active than those having less exposure to it. The BEPA-Toolkit may support PA opportunities in under-resourced school settings. © 2017 Extension Journal Inc.