Document Type
Report
Publication Date
7-2025
Abstract
The “I Choose H2O” campaign is a school-based pilot initiative developed by the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center with SNAP-Ed NM funding from the USDA. Designed as a three-week social marketing effort, the campaign aimed to increase daily water consumption and reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among middle school students. The campaign engaged students and staff through activities such as water challenges, events, tastings, and prize incentives, while also encouraging broader school-level policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes.
This evaluation used direct observation before and after implementation to assess changes in water fountain usage and lunchtime beverage choices at one public middle school. Post-intervention, there was an increase in the number of students observed drinking from water fountains and filling water bottles outside of lunch periods. However, lunchtime water consumption declined, coinciding with the introduction of juice as a beverage option. These findings suggest that while the campaign improved overall hydration behaviors, competing beverage offerings may limit its impact during meals. The report offers recommendations to support sustainable water promotion in school settings.
Recommended Citation
Cruz, Theresa H.; Mahtab Soleimani; Camille R. Velarde; and Belinda E. Vicuna. "EVALUATION OF SNAP-ED NEW MEXICO’S PILOT “I CHOOSE H2O” CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE WATER CONSUMPTION." (2025). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/prc-reports-documents/69