title: A Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance Evaluation of Weekend Backpack Food Assistance Programs.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an ongoing statewide weekend backpack program through the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
  
  
  
  Mixed-methods inquiry was used to explore the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of backpack programs within Montana.
  
  
  
  Study participants completed audio-recorded one-on-one phone interviews.
  
  
  
  Key informants (e.g., managers at food banks, staff at participating schools, policy makers) were purposively sampled (N = 20).
  
  
  
  Semistructured interviews were conducted to gather data to describe each RE-AIM dimension. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and deductively (i.e., using RE-AIM as themes) coded for meaning units, placed into higher-order categories, and summarized in narrative. Supporting quantitative data (e.g., the proportion of eligible students that joined the program, rate of school-level adoption) were calculated using descriptive statistics.
  
  
  
  Backpack programs with a broad reach and evidenced effect may be appealing to adopt. Weekend food bags cost an average $3.87 (SD ± .94) and there were some positive (i.e., ease, protecting participants' privacy) and very few negative (logistical) components of implementation. Collaborators and community partners are necessary for long-term sustainability.
  
  
  
  Backpack programs are widespread and have potential to relieve weekend hunger; however, more efforts need to be made to end childhood hunger.
authors: Food and Health Lab in the Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana carmen.byker@montana.edu.
authors: Carmen Byker
authors: CB
authors: Shanks
authors: Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
authors: Samantha
authors: S
authors: Harden
mesh_terms: D063105:Food Assistance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005523:Food Supply / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D009009:Montana; D011203:Poverty; D015397:Program Evaluation
keywords: Children; Food Security; Health focus: nutrition; Manuscript format: research; Outcome measure: productivity; Prevention Research; Program; RE-AIM; Research purpose: program evaluation; Setting: local community/state; Strategy: policy; Study design: qualitative; Target population age: youth; Target population circumstances: income level