(P07-06-26) Approach and Setting Type Are Associated With SNAP-Ed Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Change Sustainability in Pennsylvania

Objectives: To examine the implementation and contextual factors associated with the sustainability of SNAP-Ed policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes implemented across program sites in Pennsylvania in fiscal year (FY) 2023 to FY 2024.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using Pennsylvania SNAP-Ed site-level data (N=857). Sustainability was defined as the continued implementation of all PSE changes from FY 2023 to FY 2024. The predictors are approach [PSE-only versus Direct Education (DE) + PSE], setting type (K-12 schools, food retail, food assistance, early childhood, and community sites), location (rural vs. other), estimated reach, and number of PSE changes adopted at a site. Site characteristics were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square and t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify the relationship between implementation factors and PSE sustainability.

Results: Overall, 84.0% of the sites sustained all the PSE changes in 2024. Sustainability was higher among sites that used PSE-only (92.6%) compared to DE+PSE approaches (79.2%; p< 0.001). In adjusted models, sites that implemented DE+PSE had significantly lower sustainability than PSE-only sites (PR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.12 – 0.40). Food retail settings had lower sustainability of PSE compared with K-12 sites (PR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.23 – 0.84). Each additional PSE change implemented was associated with reduced likelihood of sustainability (PR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.73 – 0.89). Location of the site (i.e., rurality) and estimated reach were not significantly associated with sustainability.

Conclusions: Implementation approach, setting type, and number of PSE changes implemented are key factors influencing sustainability, highlighting the importance of strategic context-specific planning to support long-term maintenance. Future research should assess longer-term sustainability and whether the sustained PSE changes translate to measurable improvements in the dietary behavior over time.

Funding Sources: Funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS).