Nutrition Education at Farmers Market to Increase Produce Consumption of Consumers and Clients of Food Assistance Programs

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived role of food assistance programs (FAPs) in the development and prevention of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru and analyze how these perceptions have changed across time. Methods In 2009, we conducted focus groups with FAP beneficiaries and in-depth interviews with FAP administrators (N = 34) from three common FAPs in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru. These data captured participants’ perceptions of OW/OB and their recommendations to address them. We conducted grounded theory analysis on this dataset to identify dominant themes and structure a second round of data collection. In January-February 2021, we are conducting in-depth interviews with FAP beneficiaries and administrators from the same programs and districts (current N = 16, expected N = 36). We will conduct grounded theory analysis on the second dataset and cross-analyze the two datasets to measure differences and similarities. Results In 2009, nearly all FAP beneficiaries and half of FAP administrators identified OW/OB as a public health problem in their community. They expressed need for more nutrition education, potentially through FAPs. Most FAP administrators and some beneficiaries also recommended offering healthier food in one particular FAP (Community Kitchens). Preliminary results from 2021 reveal that nearly all FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their community. Educational resources about OW/OB were limited and participants continued to recommend increased outreach, potentially through FAPs. Most beneficiaries of Community Kitchens cited the need for healthier food options. Conclusions From 2009 to 2021, more FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their communities; however, resources to address this problem remained limited. Our findings suggest the need for increased nutrition education through FAPs and adjustments to foods available in specific FAPs. Funding Sources Tulane University.

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On food assistance programs and nutrition education.

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.78.1.98-a ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

pp. 98-98

Author(s):

B C Sterne

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Food Assistance ◽

Food Assistance Programs ◽

Assistance Programs

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Our Perspective: Nutrition Education Enhances Food Assistance Programs

Journal of Nutrition Education ◽

10.1016/s0022-3182(96)70032-8 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 83-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laura S. Sims ◽

jane voichick

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Food Assistance ◽

Food Assistance Programs ◽

Assistance Programs

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Racial, Gender, and Age Dynamics in Michigan’s Urban and Rural Farmers Markets: Reducing Food Insecurity, and the Impacts of a Pandemic

American Behavioral Scientist ◽

10.1177/00027642211013387 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000276422110133

Author(s):

Dorceta E. Taylor ◽

Alliyah Lusuegro ◽

Victoria Loong ◽

Alexis Cambridge ◽

Claire Nichols ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Low Income ◽

Food Assistance ◽

People Of Color ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

Farmers Market ◽

Assistance Programs ◽

Nutrition Assistance ◽

Nutrition Assistance Programs ◽

Number Of Customers

In recent decades, the number of farmer’s markets has increased dramatically across the country. Though farmers markets have been described as White spaces, they can play important roles in reducing food insecurity. This is particularly true in Michigan where farmer’s markets were crucial collaborators in pioneering programs such as Double-Up Food Bucks that help low-income residents and people of color gain access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food. This article examines the questions: (1) What are the demographic characteristics of the farmers market managers, vendors, and customers and how do these influence market activities? (2) To what extent do farmers markets participate in programs aimed at reducing food insecurity? (3) To what extent do farmers markets serve low-income residents and people of color? and (4) How has the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) affected the operations of farmers markets. This article discusses the findings of a 2020 study that examined the extent to which Michigan’s farmer’s markets served low-income customers and people of color and participated in food assistance programs. The study examined 79 farmers markets and found that 87.3% of the farmer’s market managers are White. On average, roughly 79% of the vendors of the markets are White and almost 18% are people of color. Most of the vendors in the markets participate in nutrition assistance programs. Market managers estimate that about 76% of their customers are White and about 23% are people of color. Farmers markets operated by people of color attract higher numbers of customers and vendors of color than those operated White market managers. Almost half of the farmer’s markets started operations later than usual in 2020 because of the pandemic. More than a third of the markets reported that their funding declined during the pandemic. Moreover, the number of vendors declined at two thirds of the markets and the number of customers dipped at more than 40% of the markets. On the other hand, the number of people requesting food assistance during the pandemic increased in more than half of the markets.

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