SuperShelf Evaluation

This study will evaluate the impact of a multi-component intervention (“SuperShelf”) on Minnesota food shelves and client outcomes. (Food shelves are often called food pantries outside of Minnesota.) The long-term goal of this work is to reduce nutrition-related health disparities by intervening on a system that serves individuals at high risk for chronic disease. The intervention and evaluation builds on the SuperShelf Pilot project.

The intervention will be facilitated by University of Minnesota-Extension in sixteen food shelves. They will work to implement a multicomponent intervention which will include (1) capacity-building and infrastructure enhancements at the food shelf level to improve the supply of healthy foods and (2) using behavioral economic and education strategies to encourage healthy food selection among clients.

We will evaluate the impact of this intervention on both clients and food shelves.

Client outcomes: 

• Diet 
• Markers of cardiovascular health 
• Food selections from food shelf 
• Satisfaction with culturally-specific foods and services

Food shelf outcomes:

• Nutritional quality of food available to clients
• Implementation of new policies and practices to support healthy food procurement and selection 
• Availability of culturally specific foods

In years 4-5 of the grant we will focus on analysis as well as dissemination at the local, regional, and national level.

This work is based on partnership with a number of core collaborators, including the Food Group, Valley Outreach Food Shelf, HealthPartners, as well as others who will play a key role in dissemination efforts.

Food Shelves: Apply to be a SuperShelf Here!

Learn more about applying and participating in SuperShelf Evaluation by visiting the SuperShelf website.

TO APPLY:

Apply online here or email us atyoun1286@umn.edu

Funding

National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) number 1 R01 HL 136640-01

Partners

Additional Information

SuperShelf Pilot

Kate Grannon: youn1286@umn.edu