Training Needs and Preferences of the Senior Nutrition Program Network: Amplifying Historically Marginalized Voices

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center (NRCNA) supports the Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) network, emphasizing programming equity.
• Existing technical assistance may not fully address the diverse needs of all SNP professionals.
• Equitable evaluation practices are crucial for understanding and addressing disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the training needs and preferences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) SNP professionals.
• To understand the general characteristics and organizational attributes of BIPOC SNP professionals.
• To contribute to the literature on equitable evaluation methods in aging services.

Main Methods:

• Utilized snowball sampling through NRCNA and partner agencies, recruiting 1910 aging professionals.
• Focused analysis on the 9.9% (n=190) of respondents identifying as BIPOC.
• Employed SPSS for data analysis, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests, with data disaggregation.

Main Results:

• Disaggregated data revealed distinct characteristics, organizational attributes, and subject matter gaps for BIPOC respondents.
• These differences were not apparent when analyzing the collective sample.
• Identified specific training needs and preferences unique to BIPOC professionals within the SNP network.

Conclusions:

• Data disaggregation is essential for uncovering unique needs within diverse professional groups.
• Findings can inform the development of more inclusive and supportive technical assistance for SNP professionals.
• Promotes equitable practices in aging services and professional development.