What can we learn from undertaking a Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation on a local Cook and Eat programme and does this experience make us better commissioners? What is a (original) (raw)

Methods for the evaluation of the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food program, Australia

Background: Community-based programs aimed at improving cooking skills, cooking confidence and individual eating behaviours have grown in number over the past two decades. Whilst some evidence exists to support their effectiveness, only small behavioural changes have been reported and limitations in study design may have impacted on results. This paper describes the first evaluation of the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food Program (JMoF) Australia, in Ipswich, Queensland. JMoF Australia is a community-based cooking skills program open to the general public consisting of 1.5 hour classes weekly over a 10 week period, based on the program of the same name originating in the United Kingdom.

A survey of food projects in the English NHS regions and Health Action Zones in 2001

Health Education Journal, 2004

This article sets out the findings from an analysis of food projects, with a particular emphasis on fruit and vegetables, from the 26 Health Action Zones (HAZs) in England and those taking place within the former NHS regional areas in 2001. The objective was to gather information on the existing practice to inform future work.

Delivering multidisciplinary public health in action – the Cardiff Food Strategy case study

Public Health Nutrition, 2007

Background: There is an increasing awareness that the provision of healthy food relies on the co-ordinated efforts of a number of diverse disciplines, not merely those traditionally linked with food. This paper documents the development of a food and health strategy, commissioned by the health alliance for the city of Cardiff, and focuses on the areas of sustainability, education and training as well as nutrition, food provision and food safety. Objective: The aim of the strategy was to increase the uptake of a healthy, safe and sustainable diet for all those living in Cardiff. Method: The methodology included a rapid appraisal of food initiatives operating within the city, establishing a food and health strategy working group and the production of strategy documentation. Multi-agency collaboration and consultation were key components of the approach. Results: As the strategy developed, seven action areas became apparent, including education and training, public sector procurement and rewarding excellence. These action areas were incorporated into seven 'action tables', which constitute the core of the strategy. The food and health strategy document was ratified by the Local Health Alliance board in August 2004. But, far greater benefits were realised as a consequence of setting up the strategy working group. Long before the document was written, the strategy process was operating as 'multidisciplinary public health in action'. Conclusion: The network that comprised the food and health strategy working group was already able to commence delivery of a more integrated approach to food and health within Cardiff.

Evaluation of Liverpool’s Transforming School Food Strategy: Final summary report July 2011

The University of Wolverhampton was contracted in September 2008 to undertake a three year evaluation of City of Liverpool’s Transforming School Food Strategy (TSFS). The evaluation was intended to measure the extent to which the aims and objectives of the strategy were met and the impact on the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people in Liverpool, as well as offering recommendations for future developments. This report summarises the findings of the evaluation and is accompanied by a fuller technical report. The evaluation was made up of four strands of research activity: 1. Desk-based evaluation of relevant literature, data and strategy documentation 2. Survey of children and young people 3. School self-evaluation profiles 4. Consultation and interviews with children and young people, school staff and other stakeholders This final summary report brings together the findings from the data collected for the evaluation over three years. It builds on the initial evaluation report that was produced in July 2009 and the interim report completed a year later.