scholarly journals Results of a Nutrition Incentive Program Within a Bi-State Region: A Mixed-Method Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 191-191
Author(s):  
Cheryl Gibson ◽  
Heather Valentine ◽  
Rose-Bertine Mercier ◽  
Susan Harvey ◽  
Lauren Landfried ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives To conduct a process and impact evaluation of Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Heartland, a nutrition incentive program, to facilitate program delivery and sustainability at farmers markets and grocery stores, and to examine the impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers. Methods Across 4 years, we employed a mixed methods approach, including surveys with customers (n = 678) and vendors (n = 223), and interviews with market managers (n = 52) and grocery store employees (n = 38). Study samples were obtained using a geographically-stratified, probability-proportional-to-size sampling plan. Customer surveys included demographic, social, dietary and health-related variables. Survey respondents included SNAP customers who had used DUFB (n = 382) and those who had not (n = 296). Results DUFB customers were primarily female (81%) and white (48%), with a mean age of 46 ± 15 years. Non-DUFB users had similar characteristics. Of DUFB users, 56% indicated food insecurity issues and 27% rated their general health as fair to poor. Most learned of DUFB on-site. DUFB customers reported being able to afford more produce (98%), consuming a greater variety of produce (59%), and reducing their intake of unhealthy foods (45%). Importantly, 93% of DUFB users indicated the presence of the program influenced their decision to shop at the site. Among non-DUFB users, most were unaware of the program but 98% indicated they were likely to participate next time they shopped. Grocery store cashiers reported DUFB implementation was easy and it did not add time to complete a sales transaction. Store directors felt DUFB brought about a greater focus on locally grown produce and all expressed a desire to continue the program. Market managers stated participation in DUFB increased produce sales, and the number and diversity of customers. Market vendors viewed DUFB as beneficial, stating it resulted in a new customer base and increased produce sales. Conclusions Results were instrumental in identifying successes and challenges faced by locations that were implementing the DUFB program. DUFB was well accepted with few implementation barriers noted. However, many SNAP users were not aware of the nutrition incentive program. Findings will be used to refine materials and develop strategies to extend program reach. Funding Sources USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Farmers Markets in Selected Counties in Washington State: an Analysis of Accessibility, Location, and Product Selection

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 728-728
Author(s):  
Samara Sullivan ◽  
June Kloubec ◽  
Alexandra Kazaks ◽  
Ekaterini Papadopoulou ◽  
Kara Bensley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Abstract Objectives Farmers markets (FM) may be able to bridge the gap between food insecurity (experienced by 12% of Washingtonians) and access to nutritionally sufficient foods by accepting programs such as supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits (SNAP) and Fresh Bucks (matching incentive program). These programs have potential to make FM produce affordable to all. This study intends to identify the perspectives of Washington (WA) FM shoppers regarding access, atmosphere, and prices and selection of produce at the FM. This research located WA FMs in low-income and low food access areas, and assessed activity and perspectives of populations using FMs. Methods Identified FMs in interest areas of WA using mapping tools (PolicyMap, USDA ERS data map). Shoppers at 16 FMs participated in public dot surveys using stickers to answer questions centered around awareness, access, and perspective of the market and the products offered by placing stickers on predetermined answers. Shoppers were asked to participate in an anonymous ballot survey (Likert scale) with more sensitive questions on perspectives of the market and the shoppers’ food security status. Results Sixteen FMs were identified in eleven cities in WA that accept SNAP benefits and are located in or near low food access and low-income areas of WA. At least 30 ballots were distributed at each market; the range of ballots returned was 9 to 36 ballots. Respondents were asked how they learned of the market in the dot survey: 35.6% responded “word of mouth,” 34.6% answered “drive/walk by,” and 10.5% learned via an advertisement. When asked if respondents had experience with food insecurity, 20% of respondents answered “yes.” Of this subpopulation, 45% perceived produce at FMs to be more expensive than produce at supermarkets and 81.7% reported feeling a sense of community at the FM. Conclusions Most respondents learned about the FM via word of mouth or by physically passing the market; lack of awareness of the FM may lead to a lack of access to the FM. Shoppers perceived FM products to be pricier than produce at conventional markets; however, FM shoppers with food insecurity experience still chose to shop at FMs and most of this subpopulation indicated feeling a sense of community at the FM. Funding Sources Supported by Bastyr University Faculty Student Research Grant.

scholarly journals How Is the Availability of Staple Food Items in Small Retailers in Providence, RI? (P04-145-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuyao Huang ◽  
John Taylor ◽  
Alison Tovar ◽  
Maya Vadiveloo
Keyword(s):  
Racial Minority ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Staple Food ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Discount Store ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Final Rule ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Abstract Objectives Inventory requirements for retailers authorized in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have undergone several revisions. The final rule in Jan 2018 requires minimum stocking of 36 instead of 12 staple food items in the original rule. While a more stringent rule was proposed in 2016 to expand the requirements to 84 items, it was not implemented due to concerns that stores may not withstand this expansion. This descriptive study examined food stocking in a sample of small retailers in Providence, RI to evaluate the barriers to more stringent requirements and explore differences in compliance to the original, proposed and final rules between high and low SNAP participating and racial minority resident areas. Methods This study used Food Access Research Atlas data to characterize the food environment of 30 small retailers from 5 census tracts in Providence, RI. Stores were assessed with an audit instrument developed by the Illinois Prevention Research Center to tally variety, perishability and depth of stock offerings in four staple food categories. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to determine compliance to the different requirements and if they differ between tracts with high and low SNAP participating and racial minority residents. Results Stores sampled included 12 non-chain grocery stores, 12 convenience stores,1 small discount store,4 pharmacies and 1 liquor store. Of all stores, 80% were compliant with final rule and 66.7% would need to expand their offerings to meet the proposed rule. Of the SNAP authorized stores, 88.5% were compliant with final rule and 61.5% would need to expand their offerings to meet the proposed rule. Mean dairy variety was lower than variety in the other three categories (P < 0.05), which would be a potential barrier to the proposed rule. Majority of the stores were meeting the perishability and depth of stock requirements (92.3% and 96.1% respectively) in the proposed and final rules. No difference in compliance was detected between tracts with high and low SNAP participating and racial minority residents. Conclusions Future expansion of inventory requirements could potentially lead to increased healthful food availability without imposing undue burden on small retailers in Providence, RI, excluding increased requirements for dairy variety. Funding Sources The study was not sponsored.

scholarly journals Perceptions of the Food Environment and Access among Predominantly Black Low-Income Residents of Rural Louisiana Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5340
Author(s):  
Denise Holston ◽  
Jessica Stroope ◽  
Matthew Greene ◽  
Bailey Houghtaling
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Food Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Food insecurity in rural settings is complex and not fully understood, especially from the perspective of low-income and Black residents. The goal of this study was to use qualitative methods to better understand experiences with food access and perceptions of the food environment among low-income, predominately Black rural Louisiana residents in the United States. Data were collected from focus group discussions (FGD) and focus group intake forms. Study participants were all rural residents eligible to receive at least one nutrition assistance program. FGD questions focused on perceptions of the food environment, with an emphasis on food access. Participants (n = 44) were predominately Black and female. Over half (n = 25) reported running out of food before the end of the month. Major themes included: store choice, outshopping, methods of acquiring foods other than the grocery store, and food insecurity. Concerns around price, quality, and transportation emerged as factors negatively impacting food security. Understanding residents’ perceptions and experiences is necessary to inform contextually appropriate and feasible policy and practice interventions that address the physical environment and social conditions that shape the broader physical food environment in order to achieve equitable food access and food security.

scholarly journals What Characteristics Define Participants of Michigan’s Healthy Food Incentive Program?

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney A. Parks ◽  
Lara J. Jaskiewicz ◽  
Rachael D. Dombrowski ◽  
Hollyanne E. Fricke ◽  
Sarah B. Hortman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Impact ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Market Participants ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Incentive Program

To characterize participants of a statewide healthy food incentive program in terms of shopping behaviors, surveys were collected at farmers markets (N = 436) and grocery stores (N = 131). Farmers market and grocery store respondents were mostly forty-five to fifty-four years old (21 percent to 24 percent) and female (72 to 82 percent). Grocery store respondents were more diverse. Farmers market participants were more likely to be female ( p = .011), not have children ( p = .006), and traveled further compared to grocery store participants. As healthy food incentive programs expand, participant characteristics should inform tailored outreach to expand to diverse populations to have a greater public health impact.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity in a Low-Income, Predominantly African American Cohort Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 494-497
Author(s):  
Tamara Dubowitz ◽  
Madhumita Ghosh Dastidar ◽  
Wendy M. Troxel ◽  
Robin Beckman ◽  
Alvin Nugroho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
National Trends ◽  
The Impact

Objectives. To examine the impact of COVID-19 shutdowns on food insecurity among a predominantly African American cohort residing in low-income racially isolated neighborhoods. Methods. Residents of 2 low-income African American food desert neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were surveyed from March 23 to May 22, 2020, drawing on a longitudinal cohort (n = 605) previously followed from 2011 to 2018. We examined longitudinal trends in food insecurity from 2011 to 2020 and compared them with national trends. We also assessed use of food assistance in our sample in 2018 versus 2020. Results. From 2018 to 2020, food insecurity increased from 20.7% to 36.9% (t = 7.63; P < .001) after steady declines since 2011. As a result of COVID-19, the United States has experienced a 60% increase in food insecurity, whereas this sample showed a nearly 80% increase, widening a preexisting disparity. Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (52.2%) and food bank use (35.9%) did not change significantly during the early weeks of the pandemic. Conclusions. Longitudinal data highlight profound inequities that have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Existing policies appear inadequate to address the widening gap.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Authorized Grocery, Convenience, Dollar, and Restaurant or Delivery Service Settings Are Associated With Increased Obesity Prevalence in Virginia

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-130
Author(s):  
Bailey Houghtaling ◽  
David Kniola ◽  
Sarah Misyak
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
County Level ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Delivery Service ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Purpose: United States Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants use SNAP-authorized stores for dietary purchases. Relationships between obesity prevalence and access to grocery and varied nontraditional (eg, dollar, drug, and convenience) SNAP settings are underexplored. This research aimed to determine the association of a full range of SNAP-authorized stores with obesity prevalence in Virginia. Design: The SNAP Retailer Locator was used to cross-sectionally identify authorized stores, and county health ranking information was applied based on store location. Setting: Virginia, United States. Sample: The SNAP-authorized stores, classified among store categories: grocery or supermarket; drug; mass merchandiser; supercenter; convenience; dollar; club; other; nonfood store; farmers markets; and independent grocery stores. Measures: County-level obesity prevalence with income and rurality as potential confounders. Analysis: Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between county-level adult obesity prevalence and available SNAP-authorized store formats ( P < .05 a priori). Results: Store format was a predictor of obesity prevalence in Virginia in simple and adjusted models ( R 2 = 0.035, P < .0001 and R 2 = 0.434, P < .0001, respectively). Grocery store or supermarket access was associated with obesity. The SNAP-authorized convenience, dollar, and nonfood stores were associated with a 0.3, 0.5, and 1.3 increase in county obesity prevalence, respectively ( P < .05). Conclusions: Research, practice, and health policy approaches to improve grocery, convenience, dollar, and restaurant or delivery service settings may favorably influence community obesity prevalence in Virginia.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF FOOD INSECURITY ON THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS: THE GROUPS MOST AT RISK

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S738-S738
Author(s):  
Lauren E Popham ◽  
Erin McGovern
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Council ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Older adults who experience food insecurity (4.6 million) often have worse health outcomes. Food insecure older adults consume less nutrients, which puts them at greater risk of developing chronic diseases. They are at increased risk of falls due the impact of poor nutrition on muscle mass, bone density, and balance. Low-income older adults are often forced to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays an important role in reducing food insecurity. SNAP enables older adults to buy the nutritious food they need, while freeing up resources to pay for everyday things to meet their health needs such as prescription drugs. Research shows that medication adherence increases when low-income older adults enroll in SNAP. Despite the beneficial impact of enrolling in SNAP, it’s estimated that 55% of eligible adults age 60 and older are not participating in this critical program. To understand which older adults are missing out on SNAP, the National Council on Aging engaged researchers at Leading Age LTSS Center at UMass Boston to analyze data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study. The results show that some of the most vulnerable older adult populations are less likely to participate in SNAP even though they are eligible (i.e., Hispanic, age 75 and older, those who are not utilizing healthcare, etc.). The findings suggest that more targeted outreach to these groups is needed to ensure that the most vulnerable populations of older adults access this critical benefit.

scholarly journals Neighbourhood and consumer food environment is associated with dietary intake among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Fayette County, Kentucky

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1229-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Gustafson ◽  
Sarah Lewis ◽  
Sarah Perkins ◽  
Corey Wilson ◽  
Elizabeth Buckner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Network Distance ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Fayette County ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the association between dietary outcomes and the neighbourhood food environment (street network distance from home to stores) and consumer food environment (Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey-Stores (NEMS-S) audit).DesignThe neighbourhood food environment was captured by creating 0·5-mile and 1-mile network distance (street distance) around each participant's home and the nearest food venue (convenience store, grocery store, supermarket, farmers' market and produce stand). The consumer food environment was captured by conducting NEMS-S in all grocery stores/supermarkets within 0·5 and 1 mile of participants’ homes.SettingFayette County, KY, USA.SubjectsSupplemental Nutrition Assessment Program (SNAP) participants, n 147.ResultsSNAP participants who lived within 0·5 mile of at least one farmers’ market/produce stand had higher odds of consuming one serving or more of vegetables (OR = 6·92; 95 % CI 4·09, 11·69), five servings or more of grains (OR = 1·76; 95 % CI 1·01, 3·05) and one serving or more of milk (OR = 3·79; 95 % CI 2·14, 6·71) on a daily basis. SNAP participants who lived within 0·5 mile of stores receiving a high score on the NEMS-S audit reported higher odds of consuming at least one serving of vegetables daily (OR = 3·07; 95 % CI 1·78, 5·31).ConclusionsTaken together, both the neighbourhood food environment and the consumer food environment are associated with a healthy dietary intake among SNAP participants.

scholarly journals Policy Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity in Rural America: Evidence from Appalachia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12792
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Cardarelli ◽  
Emily DeWitt ◽  
Rachel Gillespie ◽  
Rachel H. Graham ◽  
Heather Norman-Burgdolf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Supply Disruptions ◽  
Emergency Assistance ◽  
The Impact

Rural communities are disproportionally affected by food insecurity, making them vulnerable to the consequences of supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While access to food was initially diminished due to food supply disruptions, little is known about the mechanisms through which federal emergency assistance programs impacted food access in rural populations. Through a series of five focus groups in spring 2021, we examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access in a rural Appalachian community in Kentucky. Data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach. Findings revealed the following four primary themes: food scarcity in grocery stores; expanded federal food assistance; expanded community food resources; and expanded home gardening. Participants provided details regarding the way increased federal assistance, especially expanded benefits within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, allowed them to purchase greater quantities of nutritious food. This study unveils the specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one rural population, including the influence of some social determinants of health on food insecurity. Policymakers and stakeholders should recognize the layered protection of multiple federal emergency assistance programs against food insecurity and the potential for long-term population health promotion in rural areas.

Predictors of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Use at Farmers’ Markets With Monetary Incentive Programming

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1039-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy A. Freedman ◽  
David Ngendahimana ◽  
En-Jung Shon ◽  
Kathryn Merritt ◽  
Julia Pon
Keyword(s):  
Program Implementation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Monetary Incentive ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Purpose: Healthy food incentive program implementation targeting people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is supported by the federal Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant program. This study examined factors contributing to increased SNAP use at farmers’ markets with an FINI-funded incentive program. Design: Implementation evaluation. Setting: Sixteen states and District of Columbia. Participants: Two hundred eighty-two FINI-funded farmers’ markets open in 2016. Measures: Weekly SNAP sales and transactions per 1000 SNAP households in the Zip Code Tabulation Areas around markets. Analysis: Two-level hierarchical regression modeling. Results: Most farmers’ markets (53%) had less than 100 SNAP transactions in 2016. Weekly SNAP sales and transactions per 1000 SNAP households were 69.9% and 47.7% higher, respectively, if more than 1 incentive was available versus 1. Not having paid market staff resulted in declines in these sales (−34.3%) and transactions (−38.1%) compared to markets with paid staff. There was a 6.2% and 5.1% increase in SNAP sales and transactions for each additional produce vendor. Weekly SNAP sales and transactions were about 2 to 3 times higher in rural areas compared to metropolitan. Clustering of markets within states explained 10% of the variation in weekly SNAP sales and transactions. Conclusion: Four implementation factors were identified that may facilitate the reach of SNAP-based monetary incentive programs at farmers’ markets to maximize reach and impact among SNAP shoppers.

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