scholarly journals Evaluation of the Farmers’ Markets for Kids programme

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (18) ◽  
pp. 3397-3405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Dannefer ◽  
Erica Bryan ◽  
Alyce Osborne ◽  
Rachel Sacks

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of Farmers’ Markets for Kids, a farmers’ market-based, child-oriented nutrition education programme, on attitudes and behaviours related to preparing and consuming produce among child participants and their caregivers in New York City (NYC).DesignRetrospective pre-test/post-test cross-sectional survey with caregivers of children participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes.SettingFour NYC farmers’ markets where Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes are implemented; these markets serve low-income communities.SubjectsTwo hundred and twelve adult caregivers of children who participated in Farmers’ Markets for Kids classes.ResultsCaregivers reported that children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables had increased since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids and that their children more frequently assisted with food preparation; both of these improvements were statistically significant. Caregivers also reported significant improvements in attitudes: since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids, their children were more willing to try new fruits and vegetables and caregivers found it easier to prepare fruits and vegetables for their children. Almost all respondents (99 %) reported purchasing more fruits and vegetables since participating in Farmers’ Markets for Kids and 95 % had prepared the programme’s recipes at home.ConclusionsFindings suggest that Farmers’ Markets for Kids may be an effective approach for increasing produce consumption among participating children and improving related attitudes among children and caregivers. This evaluation provides support for future efforts to undertake more rigorous evaluations of such programmes.

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1345-1349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea R Singleton ◽  
Sydney Fouché ◽  
Rucha Deshpande ◽  
Angela Odoms-Young ◽  
Corey Chatman ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivePrevious research indicates that low-income individuals often struggle to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables (F&V). LINK Up Illinois is a farmers’ market incentive programme that aims to increase F&V consumption among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients by improving access to and affordability of locally grown foods. The present research aimed to identify barriers to F&V consumption that exist among users of the LINK Up Illinois programme.DesignCross-sectional.SettingFarmers’ markets in Chicago, Springfield, Northbrook, Woodstock, Aurora and Urbana, IL.SubjectsIn 2016, a volunteer sample of 140 LINK Up Illinois users (mean age 42·5 years; 81·7 % female; 28·7 % African American; 44·0 % obese) completed a survey at participating farmers’ markets across the state. Information on demographics, food shopping behaviours, programme satisfaction, barriers to F&V consumption and frequency of F&V consumption was collected and examined.ResultsApproximately 23 % of survey participants reported consuming F&V ≥3 times/d. The barriers to F&V consumption most often reported by survey participants were the cost of F&V (29·5 %), spoilage (18·6 %), knowing how to cook F&V (8·7 %) and not thinking about F&V when hungry (8·6 %). Results from multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models suggested that reporting one or more barriers was associated with reduced odds of consuming vegetables ≥3 times/d, but not fruits.ConclusionsCost, spoilage and knowledge of cooking are key barriers to F&V consumption that exist among LINK Up Illinois users. Strategies are needed to mitigate these barriers and increase F&V consumption in this population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 2846-2854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Valpiani ◽  
Parke Wilde ◽  
Beatrice Rogers ◽  
Hayden Stewart

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the effect of seasonality on fruit and vegetable availability and prices across three outlet types (farmers’ markets, roadside stands and conventional supermarkets).DesignCross-sectional survey of geographically clustered supermarkets, farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Enumerators recorded the availability and lowest price for eleven fruits and eighteen vegetables in each season of 2011.SettingPrice data were collected at retail outlets located in central and eastern North Carolina.SubjectsThe sample consisted of thirty-three supermarkets, thirty-four farmers’ markets and twenty-three roadside stands.ResultsOutside the local harvest season, the availability of many fruits and vegetables was substantially lower at farmers’ markets and roadside stands compared with supermarkets. Given sufficient availability, some items were significantly cheaper (P<0·05) at direct retail outlets in the peak season (e.g. cantaloupe cost 36·0 % less at roadside stands than supermarkets), while others were significantly more expensive (e.g. carrots cost 137·9 % more at farmers’ markets than supermarkets). Although small samples limited statistical power in many non-peak comparisons, these results also showed some differences by item: two-thirds of fruits were cheaper at one or both direct outlets in the spring and autumn, whereas five of eighteen vegetables cost more at direct retail year-round.ConclusionsCommonly consumed fruits and vegetables were more widely available at supermarkets in central and eastern North Carolina than at direct retail outlets, in each season. Contingent on item availability, price competitiveness of the direct retail outlets varied by fruit and vegetable. For many items, the outlets compete on price in more than one season.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Casey J. Kelley ◽  
Karla L. Hanson ◽  
Grace A. Marshall ◽  
Leah C. Volpe ◽  
Stephanie Jilcott Pitts ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To examine cross-sectional associations between farmers’ market shopping behaviors and objectively measured and self-reported fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among rural North Carolina (NC) and New York City (NYC) shoppers. Design: Cross-sectional intercept surveys were used to assess self-reported FV intake and three measures of farmers’ market shopping behavior: (1) frequency of purchasing FV, (2) variety of FV purchased, and (3) dollars spent on FV. Skin carotenoids, a non-invasive biomarker for FV intake, were objectively measured using pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy. Associations between farmers’ market shopping behaviors and FV intake were examined using regression models that controlled for demographic variables (e.g., age, sex, race, smoking status, education, income, and state). Setting: Farmers’ markets (n=17 markets) in rural NC and NYC. Participants: A convenience sample of 645 farmers’ market shoppers. Results: Farmers’ market shoppers in NYC purchased a greater variety of FV and had higher skin carotenoid scores compared to shoppers in rural NC. Among all shoppers, there was a positive, statistically significant association between self-reported frequency of shopping at farmers’ markets and self-reported as well as objectively assessed FV intake. The variety of FV purchased and farmers’ market spending on FV also were positively associated with self-reported FV intake, but not skin carotenoids. Conclusion: Those who shop for FV more frequently at a farmers’ markets, purchase a greater variety of FV, and spend more money on FV have higher self-reported, and in some cases higher objectively measured FV intake. Further research is needed to understand these associations and test causality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (17) ◽  
pp. 3226-3235
Author(s):  
Reece Lyerly ◽  
Pasquale Rummo ◽  
Sarah Amin ◽  
Whitney Evans ◽  
Eliza Dexter Cohen ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:Mobile produce markets (MPM) offering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive programmes have the potential to provide accessible and affordable fruits and vegetables (FV) to populations at risk of food insecurity. The objective of this study is to characterise the customer base of an MPM and describe their participation at twelve market sites serving low-income seniors.Design:In 2018, customers from an MPM in Rhode Island (RI) participated in a cross-sectional survey (n 330; 68 % response rate), which measured dietary patterns, food security and food shopping behaviours. We compared the shopping habits and market experiences of customers who currently received SNAP benefits with those who did not currently receive SNAP benefits.Setting:An MPM in RI which offers a 50 % discount for FV purchased with SNAP benefits.Participants:This study describes current market customers at twelve market sites serving low-income seniors.Results:Market customers were mostly low-income, female, over the age of 50 years and Hispanic/Latino. Most customers received SNAP benefits, and almost half were food insecure. In addition, three quarters of SNAP customers reported their SNAP benefits last longer since shopping at the markets. Mixed logistic regression models indicated that SNAP customers were more likely to report buying and eating more FV than non-SNAP customers.Conclusions:MPM are critical resources of affordable produce and have been successful in improving access to FV among individuals of low socio-economic status in RI. This case study can inform policy and programme recommendations for MPM and SNAP incentive programmes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Guthrie ◽  
Andrea Anater ◽  
Diane Catellier ◽  
Wendy Johnson ◽  
Erin Quann

Abstract Objectives The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritionally at-risk low-income pregnant women, infants and children up to 5 years of age with foods tailored to their nutritional needs, along with nutrition education. In 2009, USDA made major revisions to WIC food packages to better conform to expert dietary guidance. Notable changes included increased fruits and vegetables, and lower-fat milk for children 2 years and older. This study uses data from the 2008 and 2016 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) to compare foods consumed by children participating in WIC to foods consumed by children not participating in WIC before and after the food package changes. Methods FITS 2008 (n = 3273) and 2016 (n = 3235) are cross-sectional nationally-representative surveys of caregivers of children < 4 years living in the U.S. Trained telephone interviewers collected 24-hour dietary data. Tests of interaction were used to determine whether the trends in consumption of select foods between 2008 and 2016 differed between children who participate in WIC compared to those who do not, while controlling for income and household size. Results The percentage of WIC infants (6-11.9 months) eating vegetables increased from 2008 to 2016, but the % eating fruit (including 100% juice) was unchanged. WIC infants shifted from being less likely than non-WIC infants to eat babyfood fruits and vegetables in 2008 to being more likely to eat them in 2016; at the same time, the % of WIC participants consuming non babyfood fruit and vegetables declined. The percentage of WIC children (12-23.9 months) drinking whole milk increased and drinking reduced fat (2%) milk decreased in 2016 compared to 2008; whereas older WIC children (24-47.9 months) were more likely to drink low or nonfat milk and less likely to drink reduced-fat milk. Conclusions Babyfood fruits and vegetables, added to the WIC food package in 2009, have become important contributors to WIC infants’ fruit and vegetable intakes. In 2016, WIC children were more likely to follow expert advice to shift to lower fat milks at ages 2 and above. Significant changes in the relationship of these food patterns to WIC participation between 2008 and 2016 suggest an important public health role of the revised WIC food packages. Funding Sources FITS 2008 and 2016 supported by Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne Switzerland.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1846-1853
Author(s):  
Emily M Melnick ◽  
Karen Thomas ◽  
Charlotte Farewell ◽  
Jennie Quinlan ◽  
Deanna LaFlamme ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the impact of a preschool-based nutrition education programme consisting of twelve ‘hands on’ nutrition education lessons delivered during the school year on young children’s willingness to consume fruits and vegetables.Design:Quasi-experimental, pre-post design including the collection of plate waste evaluation data at the start and end of the 2015–2016 school year within two groups: (1) randomly selected classrooms receiving the intervention and (2) within conveniently sampled preschool classrooms not receiving the intervention serving as a comparison group.Setting:Centre-based preschool programmes serving low-income families in the Denver metro area.Participants:Three- to five-year-old children in preschool classrooms participating in the intervention during the 2015–2016 school year (n 308) and children enrolled in comparison classrooms (n 215).Results:Repeated-measures logit models assessed whether increases in the odds of consuming small samples of fruits and vegetables between Time 1 (pre-intervention) and Time 2 (post-intervention) were different for children within the intervention group compared with the comparison group. Analyses showed that the change over time in consumption of the three vegetable samples varied by intervention status with greater change occurring among children within the intervention group (edamame: P = 0·001; cauliflower: P ≤ 0·0001 and red pepper: P ≤ 0·0001). Unlike vegetables, the change over time in consumption of the two fruit samples was not different between children within the intervention and comparison groups.Conclusions:An experiential-learning nutrition education programme can positively influence eating behaviours of low-income preschoolers in a centre-based setting by increasing willingness to consume vegetables.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sridharshi Hewawitharana ◽  
Ron Strochlic ◽  
Wendi Gosliner

Abstract Objectives This evaluation aimed to examine whether utilization of the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) by California CalFresh farmers’ market shoppers was associated with food security. Methods CNIP aims to increase the ability of CalFresh shoppers to make healthy food choices by providing a dollar-for-dollar match, up to a market-specific maximum, for CalFresh benefits used to purchase FV at participating farmers’ markets. In this cross-sectional evaluation CalFresh shoppers were interviewed at a convenience sample of farmers’ markets that did not participate in CNIP (comparison group) and those that provided match incentives up to $10 or $20. Food security status was assessed using questions from the US Department of Agriculture's validated 6-item food security module. Regression models adjusting for demographic characteristics and clustering by market were used to assess the association between use of CNIP incentives and food security. Results A total of 192 CalFresh shoppers were recruited from 10 farmers’ markets throughout California. CalFresh shoppers who used CNIP incentives had significantly lower odds of cutting the size of or skipping meals due to insufficient money for food and significantly lower odds of not eating when hungry because there wasn't enough money for food compared to CalFresh shoppers who did not use CNIP incentives, holding all other covariates constant. CalFresh shoppers who used CNIP incentives showed a non-significant increase in the odds of being more food secure overall as compared to CalFresh shoppers who did not use CNIP incentives. Conclusions Understanding the effect of CNIP on CalFresh shoppers’ food security has important implications for the further support and promotion of this program. The results of this evaluation suggest that CNIP may positively benefit certain aspects of participants’ food security, but more robust studies are needed to more fully assess the impact of this program. Funding Sources This evaluation was funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2786-2795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda R Ratigan ◽  
Suzanne Lindsay ◽  
Hector Lemus ◽  
Christina D Chambers ◽  
Cheryl AM Anderson ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe Farmers’ Market Fresh Fund Incentive Program is a policy, systems and environmental intervention to improve access to fresh produce for participants on governmental assistance in the USA. The current study examined factors associated with ongoing participation in this matched monetary incentive programme.DesignRelationship of baseline factors with number of Fresh Fund visits was assessed using Poisson regression. Mixed-effects modelling was used to explore changes in consumption of fruits and vegetables and diet quality.SettingSan Diego, California.SubjectsRecipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who attended participating farmers’ markets from 2010 to 2012 (n 7298).ResultsAmong those with participation for ≤6 months, factors associated with increased visits included reporting more daily servings of fruits and vegetables (F&V) at baseline, being Vietnamese or Asian/Pacific Islander, and eligibility because of SNAP/CalFresh or SSI (v. WIC). Among those who came for 6–12 months, being Asian/Pacific Islander, eligibility because of SNAP/CalFresh and enrolling in the autumn, winter or spring were associated with a greater number of Fresh Fund visits. Among those who came for >12 months, being male and eligibility because of SSI were associated with a greater number of visits. Overall, the odds of increasing number of servings of F&V consumed increased by 2 % per month, and the odds of improved perception of diet quality increased by 10 % per month.ConclusionsSustaining and increasing Fresh Fund-type programme operations should be a top priority for future policy decisions concerning farmers’ market use in low-income neighbourhoods.


Author(s):  
Pasquale E. Rummo ◽  
Reece Lyerly ◽  
Jennifer Rose ◽  
Yelena Malyuta ◽  
Eliza Dexter Cohen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Offering financial incentives promotes increases in fruit and vegetable purchases in farmers’ markets and supermarkets. Yet, little is understood about whether food-insecure adults purchase more fruits and vegetables as a result of receiving financial incentives in mobile produce market settings. Methods In 2018–2019, Food on the Move provided a 50% discount to customers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fruit and vegetables from 16 market locations in Rhode Island (n = 412 market occasions). We used mixed multivariable linear regression to estimate the difference in total dollar sales per transaction per month between SNAP transactions and non-SNAP transactions. We also estimated the difference in out-of-pocket dollar sales per transaction per month between SNAP and non-SNAP transactions, less the 50% discount. This reflects the actual amount spent on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased per visit. In both models, we controlled for the number of market sites per month, with fixed effects for quarter and year. We estimated random intercept variance for date of transaction and market site to adjust for clustering. Results In 2018–2019, the majority of market transactions (total n = 13,165) were SNAP transactions [n = 7.988 (63.0%)]. On average, customers spent $17.38 (SD = 16.69) on fruits and vegetables per transaction per month. However, customers using SNAP benefits spent significantly more on FVs per transaction per month [$22.01 (SD = 17.97)] compared to those who did not use SNAP benefits [9.81 (SD = 10.68)] (β = $10.88; 95% CI: 10.18, 11.58). Similarly, out-of-pocket dollar sales per SNAP transaction per month (i.e., less the 50% discount) were significantly higher [$11.42 (SD = 9.44)] relative to non-SNAP transactions [$9.40 (SD = 9.33)] (β = $1.85; 95% CI: 1.44, 2.27). Conclusions Financial incentives contributed to higher fruit and vegetable purchases among low-income customers who shop at mobile produce markets by making produce more affordable. Higher spending on fruits and vegetables may promote healthy diet behaviors and reduce chronic disease risk among food-insecure adults.


Author(s):  
Sanjay Pinto ◽  
Chenjuan Ma ◽  
Faith Wiggins ◽  
Sarah Ecker ◽  
Michael Obodai ◽  
...  

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, home health aides (HHAs) provided daily medical and personal care to community-dwelling older adults and those with chronic conditions. Prior qualitative studies have found that providing care during COVID-19 left HHAs susceptible to physical, financial, and emotional risks. However, limited quantitative data exist The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HHAs and to understand the challenges and opportunities for current and future pandemic planning. A cross-sectional survey of 256 HHAs in the downstate New York region was conducted by telephone in English, French Creole, Chine, Spanish, and Russian between August and November 2020. The survey found that HHAs experienced a variety of physical, financial, and emotional challenges during COVID-19. To better support this work force, action by public health officials and policymakers is warranted, particularly with respect to workplace protections and safety, mental health, compensation, and access to basic resources.


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