Purpose

The purpose of this evaluation is, as always, to catalyze positive change. In conducting the process systematically and objectively, this evaluation will ensure that the program is running efficiently and effectively. It will also ensure that the intended objectives of the program are being achieved.

Although Herman et al. (1987) assert that "evaluation is a complicated endeavour, and that there is no single approach that will solve all problems", they also explain that "a good evaluation...is useful to its audience, practical to implement, conducted ethically, and technically accurate" (p. 23). This evaluation will be rooted in these two statements.

At first glance, the website for The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program is extremely data driven. Whether it is financial statements, educational statistics or numbers surrounding the students being served, the information provided by the organization is heavily quantitative. Even though this data is significant, it is quite limited as it looks solely at the program's input and outcome instead of looking more deeply at the moving parts and intricacies of the program.

For this reason, engaging in an inquiry that will holistically evaluate the program is extremely beneficial and will undoubtedly lead to a fine-tuning and a pruning of the program. It is clear that the program is successful, so the goal of the evaluation is to use both qualitative and quantitative evidence to inform the future direction and sustainability of the program.

Because The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program is well-established and, thus, well-beyond the implementation phase, this design will approach the evaluation using an impact approach.

The following are a selection of key questions that will be used to help guide the impact evaluation:

General Questions for Impact Evaluation

• Did the program achieve the intended goal(s)?

• Who benefitted from the program?

• Were there any unintended outcomes and or ramifications of the program?

• How many of the gains can be credited to the program itself?

• Which aspects of the program were most impactful?

Specific Questions for this Impact Evaluation

• What are the main objectives of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program?

• What aspects of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program are most effective at achieving its outcomes?

• Are the two main fundraising initiatives (i.e. Toonies for Tummies and Night to Nurture) sufficient source of revenue to run the program?

• In Ontario, what programs are available as alternatives to The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program?

• How effective is The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program compared to the alternative programs?

• Does the program's effectiveness differ depending on the specific location it serves?

• Is the program differentially effective with particular types of participants and/or in particular locales?