Journal article
Professional Networks among Rural School Food Service Directors Implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
Journal of child nutrition & management, Vol.39(1)
2015
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: This study was designed to explore the professional networks of rural school food service directors (FSD), the resources they use for implementing the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), and their needs for information and support to continue to implement successfully. Methods: Rural FSD participated in an in-depth telephone interview (n = 67) and an online survey (n = 57). The interview asked respondents about the resources and support they used and still needed to assist with implementing the HHFKA changes, while the online survey focused on professional networks and communication among FSD. The interviews were analyzed by thematic coding, while descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey data. Results: Respondents reported making extensive use of professional networks by communicating with FSD in other districts. They both sought and gave advice during this communication, and the topic discussed most frequently was implementation of HHFKA requirements. Mapping of network nodes showed that networks of communication were often geographically bound. Respondents reported using a variety of resources to implement the HHFKA and disclosed that they often relied on their colleagues in other districts for support. Self-identified needs included staffing support, additional networking opportunities, and technology support. Perceived support varied and several responses indicated that rural FSD feel isolated when implementing the HHFKA requirements. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals: Rural FSD would benefit from enhanced professional networks that are tailored to their needs and constraints. It may be the case that rural schools need more support overall because existing challenges make HHFKA implementation more difficult than in larger, urban, or better-funded school districts.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Professional Networks among Rural School Food Service Directors Implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
- Creators
- Disa Lubker CornishNatoshia M Askelson - University of Iowa, Community and Behavioral HealthElizabeth H Golembiewski
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of child nutrition & management, Vol.39(1)
- ISSN
- 1559-5676
- eISSN
- 1559-5676
- Publisher
- School Nutrition Association
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- This publication journal article was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number 1- U48DP001902-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2015
- Description audience
- Elementary Secondary Education
- Academic Unit
- Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984215016602771
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