Evaluation of Massachusetts Local Wellness Policies

Background

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office for Food and Nutrition Programs (FNP) is seeking a vendor to conduct an evaluation of Massachusetts Local Wellness Policies. This initiative stems from federal requirements established by the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Reauthorization Act, which mandates local education agencies (LEAs) to create wellness policies. The goal is to assess the strength and comprehensiveness of these policies, reflecting DESE's commitment to enhancing student health and well-being through effective local wellness policies.

Work Details

The vendor will evaluate at least 216 local wellness policies selected randomly by MA DESE. The evaluation process includes: 1) Using the Massachusetts Local Wellness Policy Strength Checklist for the sample size; 2) Evaluating remaining policies with the WellSAT evaluation tool; 3) Flagging policies that participated in the Massachusetts School Wellness Coaching Program (MSWCP); 4) Meeting with DESE and JSI to establish progress update intervals; 5) Providing DESE with all evaluation scorecards and results; 6) Developing a comprehensive report detailing progress in policy strength and comprehensiveness, organized by relevant topics such as nutrition education and best practices. A first draft must be submitted for review before finalization in PDF format.

Period of Performance

The contract will commence upon approval and conclude on June 30, 2027.

Place of Performance

The evaluation work will be conducted in Massachusetts, with deliverables submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must have a minimum of three years’ experience evaluating local wellness policies, three years’ experience developing related resources, and at least one year’s experience using the WellSAT tool. Preference will be given to those who have worked with districts nationwide on school wellness programs or initiatives or collaborated with USDA on such programs.