Evaluation of an Extension Delivered Resource for Accelerating Progress in Childhood Obesity Prevention: The BEPA Toolkit.
The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit, or the BEPA Toolkit, supports physical activity (PA) programming via Extension in elementary schools. In a pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the BEPA Toolkit as used by teachers through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education partnerships. We surveyed teachers (n 57) regarding their use of the kit and examined associations between teacher use of the kit and objectively measured PA of students (n 1,103) Over 80% of responders reported that the BEPA Toolkit provided additional opportunities for PA, and children regularly exposed to the kit were more active than those having less exposure to it. The BEPA Toolkit may support PA opportunities in underresourced school settings.