SMART MOVES™ Family Healthy Weight Program Cross-Cohort Evaluation Report 2025-2026

Authors

• Camille Velarde, University of New Mexico, Prevention Research CenterFollow
• Theresa H. Cruz, University of New MexicoFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 10-2026

Abstract

This report presents findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of three implementations of the Smart Moves™ Family Healthy Weight Program conducted in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, between 2025 and 2026. Smart Moves™ is a family-centered wellness program that integrates nutrition education, physical activity, social-emotional learning, caregiver support, and family engagement.

The evaluation examined participant experiences, program adaptations, implementation challenges, and health-related outcomes across clinic- and school-based settings. Data included parent and caregiver focus groups, implementer and administrative interviews, and descriptive pre- and post-program measurements. Across the three evaluated cohorts, 51 participant records were documented, including 28 youth and 23 parents/caregivers.

Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of whole-family participation, hands-on cooking, culturally responsive programming, supportive and nonjudgmental environments, and trusted implementers. Families described improvements in nutrition knowledge, food preparation skills, physical activity, confidence, and shared household routines. Descriptive quantitative findings showed increases in mean Lifestyle Questionnaire and Veggie Meter® scores, while short-term BMI-for-age percentiles remained essentially unchanged.

Implementation challenges included recruitment, scheduling, staffing capacity, resource availability, caregiver participation, and inconsistent data collection procedures. Findings highlight the importance of preserving the program's family-centered approach while strengthening implementation infrastructure, standardizing evaluation procedures, and developing sustainable partnerships and resources. The report provides recommendations to inform future implementation, adaptation, and evaluation of family healthy weight programming in New Mexico.

Recommended Citation

Velarde, Camille and Theresa H. Cruz. "SMART MOVES™ Family Healthy Weight Program Cross-Cohort Evaluation Report 2025-2026." (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/prc-reports-documents/82