Feasibility of Using Facebook to Engage SNAP-Ed Eligible Parents and Provide Education on Eating Well on a Budget

Abstract

This study examined the use of Facebook to provide education on food resource management and healthy eating on a budget to parents of preschool aged children participating in Head Start. A convenience sample of 25 parents participated in a Facebook group based on Sesame Street’s Food for Thought: Eating Well on a Budget curriculum over a 3-week period. Parent engagement was assessed by examining views, likes, and comments on posts. Qualitative data were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and barriers experienced related to healthy eating on a budget. The results suggest that parents were engaged throughout the intervention, as evidenced by views, likes, and comments on Facebook posts, as well as by study retention (90%). Interactions with the intervention materials varied by post content, with discussion questions having the highest level of interaction. Facebook was found to be a feasible platform for delivering the intervention, and the Facebook-adapted version of the Sesame Street curriculum was shown to engage Head Start parents living in rural areas. Further research should explore the use of social media platforms for delivering nutrition education interventions to rural populations that are otherwise difficult to reach.