Program evaluations _____.

Program evaluations play a crucial role in community nutrition and public health as they provide a systematic method for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs. When evaluations are conducted, they can measure various outcomes, including health improvements, changes in behavior, and the overall impact of innovative strategies. This process allows organizations to gather evidence on what works and what doesn’t, enabling them to refine programs and implement successful practices based on data-driven findings. Additionally, evaluating innovative approaches specifically helps to determine their efficacy and scalability, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in the community.

In contrast, program evaluations that take place only when issues arise limit the proactive measurement of program effectiveness and hinder continuous improvement. Not measuring cost-effectiveness can lead to a misallocation of resources, as understanding the financial implications is key to sustainability and proper funding decisions. Lastly, stating that evaluations are always conducted solely by agency staff excludes the possibility of valuable external perspectives and expertise that outside consultants can offer, potentially enriching the evaluation process.