L7. Middle and High School Parent (Household) Advance Letter

L7. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PARENT (HOUSEHOLD)

ADVANCE LETTER

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Dear [PARENT/GUARDIAN]:

[SCHOOL/DISTRICT NAME] is part of the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study. This important study for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, a research firm that has conducted many studies on this subject. The USDA oversees school meal programs nationally. Schools are working to follow new rules designed to offer children healthier foods. Schools are also working to promote healthy eating and exercise habits. The USDA is sponsoring this study to learn about the nutritional needs of students across the country after schools have made these changes.

Your child has been selected for the study. Interviewers from Mathematica will visit your school in the next few weeks. They will meet with students and staff, and contact parents by telephone. Mathematica interviewers will meet with students who eat school meals and those who do not eat them. If you choose to participate, you will receive $15 to thank you for your help. Your child will also receive $15 for taking part in the study. Study participation includes these two steps:

1. “What I ate” Survey

Students will report what they ate and drank on one particular day. The “What I ate” survey will be completed with your child at school on the selected day. Some students may be asked to complete the survey a second time a few days later on the phone. These students will receive an extra $15 thank you gift. More information about this second survey will be provided during the first survey.

2. Student and Parent Interviews

After finishing the “What I ate” survey, our interviewers will hold a short interview with your child. They will ask their opinion of school meals and reasons for choosing or not choosing them. Your child’s height and weight will be measured. Our interviewers will call you on the phone for your interview. They will also ask your opinion on school meals.

Taking part in the study is voluntary. The survey and interview will take about 60 minutes of your child’s time and 25 minutes of your time. All information you provide will be kept private and used for statistical purposes only. Neither you nor your child will be named. No personal information will be shared outside the study unless required by law. You and your child can skip any questions you do not wish to answer. If you do not wish to take part in the study at all, please complete and return the enclosed form. We cannot ensure that all willing households will be in the study. However, Mathematica will try to include all eligible households.

Thank you for helping with this important study. Your participation will help us learn how schools can best support the health of children. We have enclosed a brochure about the study. You can also visit our Facebook page (http://facebook.com\xyz) or call us toll free at (800) XXX-ZZZZ.

Sincerely,

Eric Zeidman, SNMCS Survey Director