Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program redemptions at California farmers’ markets: making the program work for farmers and participants

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina L. Saitone ◽  
Patrick W. McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Infants And Children ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Wic Program ◽  
Client Participation ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Locally Grown

AbstractMany states including California allow fruit and vegetable checks (FVCs) issued by the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program to be redeemed at farmers’ markets. Despite the potential of the FVC program to increase the revenue of participating farmers and to provide fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, analysis of data for California shows that redemptions of FVCs at farmers’ markets have to date been miniscule. We study the barriers to use of FVCs at farmers’ markets and consider strategies for expanding both farmer and WIC client participation in the farmers’ market program. Our methodology involved design, implementation and analysis of surveys of both farmers’ market managers and farmer vendors who participate in the program and analysis of the behavior of WIC participants through California WIC program redemption data. One major factor limiting redemptions in California is that relatively few farmers’ markets currently accept FVCs and both market managers and farmers report that the authorization process is onerous. WIC participants who shopped at authorized markets more fully utilized the fixed-dollar value of their voucher, compared with participants who shopped at other authorized WIC vendors. Nevertheless, participants who visited a farmers’ market are unlikely to return. The study concludes with suggested pathways to increase WIC participant utilization of farmers’ markets.

Urban consumers' attitudes towards locally grown produce

1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Lockeretz
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Marketing Channels ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Suburban Communities ◽  
Agricultural Fairs ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Locally Grown ◽  
Eastern Massachusetts

AbstractIn areas where farmland is under heavy development pressure but where farms are too small to compete in major marketing channels with larger farms in other regions, producers must use channels that capitalize on their proximity to consumers. This advantage is greatest for fresh fruits and vegetables, provided farmers understand their urban customers' purchasing preferences. This study interviewed more than 600 customers at farmers' markets and supermarkets in six urban and suburban communities in eastern Massachusetts and at agricultural fairs. Respondents were asked about their reasons for purchasing fruits and vegetables at various sites, about their preferences, if any, for produce grown locally, and about changes that might cause them to purchase more local produce. The results suggest that for local origin to be taken into account by consumers, the produce should be sold in a locally oriented environment, e.g., a farmers' market. Although the particular supermarkets in this study featured locally grown produce in their advertising, this seems to have had little effect on consumers' buying. Conversely, consumers' highly favorable opinion of farmers' markets involved several factors besides the localness of the produce in a purely geographic sense. These included the pleasant environment, the (presumed) short time since the produce was picked, and the opportunity to purchase directly from the producer in a face-to-face transaction.

scholarly journals Patterns of fruit and vegetable availability and price competitiveness across four seasons are different in local food outlets and supermarkets

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 2846-2854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Valpiani ◽  
Parke Wilde ◽  
Beatrice Rogers ◽  
Hayden Stewart
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Price Competitiveness ◽  
Retail Outlets ◽  
Eastern North Carolina

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.

scholarly journals Associations between farmers’ market shopping behaviors and objectively measured and self-reported fruit and vegetable intake in a diverse sample of farmers’ market shoppers: a cross-sectional study in New York City and rural North Carolina

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Casey J. Kelley ◽  
Karla L. Hanson ◽  
Grace A. Marshall ◽  
Leah C. Volpe ◽  
Stephanie Jilcott Pitts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
North Carolina ◽  
New York City ◽  
York City ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Objectively Measured

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.

scholarly journals A Multi-Year Examination of Gardening Experience and Fruit and Vegetable Intake During College

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Staub ◽  
Sarah E. Colby ◽  
Melissa D. Olfert ◽  
Kendra Kattelmann ◽  
Wenjun Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Locally Grown ◽  
Term Data ◽  
Time Point

Gardening has been positively associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption based on short-term studies among children, but long-term data among adolescents and young adults are lacking. This investigation sought to elucidate the association between gardening experience and FV intake among college students over a two-year period. Students (N = 593) from eight universities were assessed at the end of their freshman (Y1) and sophomore (Y2) years during the springs of 2016 and 2017, respectively. At each time point, participants completed the NCI FV Screener and questions related to gardening experience and FV-related attitudes and behaviors. Students were then categorized into four groups based on gardening experience: Gardened only during the first or second year (Y1 only and Y2 only gardeners), gardened both years (Y1+Y2 gardeners), and non-gardeners. While both Y1 only and Y1+Y2 gardeners reported significantly higher FV intake relative to non-gardeners at Y1 (2.3 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 0.7 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 cup equivalents (CE)/day, respectively; p < 0.01), only Y1+Y2 gardeners differed from non-gardeners at Y2 (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 1.8 ± 0.5 CE/day; p < 0.001). Additionally, Y1+Y2 gardeners reported more frequent engagement of several FV-related behaviors, including shopping at farmers’ markets, eating locally grown foods, and cooking from basic ingredients; and were five times more likely to have gardened during childhood (OR: 5.2, 95%, CI: 3.5–8.8; p < 0.001). Findings suggest that while isolated gardening experiences during college are associated with FV intake, reoccurring experience may be essential for sustained benefit.

scholarly journals Caregiver perceptions of a fruit and vegetable prescription programme for low-income paediatric patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 2497-2506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Heather Claire Lofton ◽  
Mona Hanna-Attisha ◽  
Colleen Victor ◽  
Gwendolyn Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Perceived Impact

AbstractObjectiveThe physical and social environments that surround children should support good health. However, challenges with food security and access prevent many children from consuming a healthy diet, which is critical to proper growth and development. The present study sought to gain a better understanding of primary care initiatives to address these issues in a low-income setting.DesignFollowing the relocation of a paediatric clinic to a farmers’ market building and the implementation of a fruit and vegetable prescription programme, researchers conducted thirty-two semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Researchers elicited caregivers’ perceptions of clinic co-location with the farmers’ market; experiences with the prescription programme; opinions of the farmers’ market; and perceived impact on child consumption of fresh produce. Interview recordings were transcribed for textual analysis. Using thematic analysis, researchers examined qualitative data to identify patterns across transcripts and formulate emerging themes. Researchers concluded when data saturation was reached.SettingFlint, Michigan, USA.SubjectsThe majority of participants were female (91 %) and African American (53 %).ResultsFour recurrent themes emerged during interviews: (i) convenience of relocation; (ii) attitude towards prescription programme; (iii) challenges with implementation; and (iv) perceived impact of combined interventions. Caregivers indicated that the co-location and prescription programme increased family shopping at the farmers’ market, improved access to high-quality produce and improved food security.ConclusionsA fruit and vegetable prescription programme involving a partnership between a farmers’ market and paediatric clinic was perceived as effective in improving food security, food access and child consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

scholarly journals Impacts of a farmers’ market incentive programme on fruit and vegetable access, purchase and consumption

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 2712-2721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren EW Olsho ◽  
Gayle Holmes Payne ◽  
Deborah Klein Walker ◽  
Sabrina Baronberg ◽  
Jan Jernigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
York City ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
Random Digit Dial

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers’ market incentive programme, on awareness of and access to farmers’ markets, and fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption in low-income New York City neighbourhoods.DesignThe evaluation used two primary data collection methods: (i) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers’ market shoppers; and (ii) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighbourhoods where the programme operates. Additionally, we conducted a quasi-experimental analysis examining differential time trends in consumption before and after programme introduction using secondary Community Health Survey (CHS) data.SettingNew York City farmers’ markets and communities.SubjectsFarmers’ market shoppers (n 2287) completing point-of-purchase surveys in a representative sample of New York City farmers’ markets in 2010; residents (n 1025) completing random-digit-dial telephone survey interviews in 2010; and respondents (n 35 606) completing CHS interviews in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2009.ResultsGreater Health Bucks exposure was associated with: (i) greater awareness of farmers’ markets; (ii) increased frequency and amount of farmers’ market purchases; and (iii) greater likelihood of a self-reported year-over-year increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. However, our CHS analysis did not detect impacts on consumption.ConclusionsWhile our study provides promising evidence that use of farmers’ market incentives is associated with increased awareness and use of farmers’ markets, additional research is needed to better understand impacts on fruit and vegetable consumption.

scholarly journals Factors associated with continued participation in a matched monetary incentive programme at local farmers’ markets in low-income neighbourhoods in San Diego, California

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2786-2795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda R Ratigan ◽  
Suzanne Lindsay ◽  
Hector Lemus ◽  
Christina D Chambers ◽  
Cheryl AM Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Pacific Islander ◽  
Monetary Incentive ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Asian Pacific Islander ◽  
Asian Pacific

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.

scholarly journals The impact of financial incentives on SNAP transactions at mobile produce markets

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale E. Rummo ◽  
Reece Lyerly ◽  
Jennifer Rose ◽  
Yelena Malyuta ◽  
Eliza Dexter Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Consumer Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Ethnic Produce at Farmers’ Markets

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-78
Author(s):  
Keiko Goto ◽  
Jennifer Whitten ◽  
Maria Giovanni ◽  
Cindy Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Study Participants

Background and Objective: Past research indicates that exposure to ethnic produce may be positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption and negatively associated with fast food consumption. The objective of this research was to examine attitudes and behaviors regarding ethnic produce among farmers’ market consumers in rural northern California. Methods: A total of 502 farmers’ market attendees completed a survey, which examined the demographic characteristics of the consumers, their attitudes toward ethnic produce at farmers’ markets, and their familiarity and preferences for a variety of food products and cuisines. Results: Most participants had positive attitudes toward products presented on the survey. However, less than half of the study participants recognized at least 11 of the 22 ethnic produce items available at area farmers' markets. Ethnic minorities, females, and older participants were more likely to have tried ethnic produce items. Women had more positive attitudes toward ethnic produce. Conclusion: These findings indicate the importance of identifying strategies tailored to specific groups of people to promote the consumption of ethnic fruits and vegetables, which may be associated with lower rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases.

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