Formative Qualitative Research Informs Tailoring SNAP-Ed Curriculum for Transitional Housing Residents

To modify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education curriculum based on formative research conducted at a homeless resource center.

Researchers interviewed 4 administrators/staff and 5 transitional housing residents. We used a content analysis approach to independently code transcripts, reconcile differences, and identify themes. We adapted the Create Better Health curriculum using these data.

Curriculum adaptations included incorporating microwave-friendly recipes because of limited cooking facilities, providing strategies for making healthy food choices at facility-provided meals and convenience/dollar stores frequented by residents, and encouraging residents to exercise at their comfort levels because of common physical limitations. Classes located outside transitional housing units were planned for 60 minutes before and after mealtimes.

Adapting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education curriculum to meet the unique needs of transitional housing residents may enable healthy behavioral changes. Further research is required to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this revised curriculum.