scholarly journals Digital Promotions Campaign Increases SNAP Participation at New England Farmers’ Markets: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 141-141
Author(s):  
Sara John ◽  
Gabrielle Rivera ◽  
Sean Cash ◽  
Christina Economos ◽  
Eric Rimm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Objectives Greater number and increased frequency of farmers’ markets are an important strategy to improve community-level diet quality by increasing fruit and vegetable availability, yet fall short of addressing health disparities due to a predominantly affluent, white clientele. Introducing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) financial incentives at farmers’ markets increases patronage and sales amongst people with economic disadvantage, however SNAP participant incentive program awareness and farmers’ market sales remain low. This study examined whether a digital campaign promoting SNAP incentive programs increases farmers’ market SNAP participation. Methods This study was a parallel RCT, with randomization of zip codes to receive (a) digital promotions or (b) no additional promotions. The study sample included target zip codes (n = 96) near New England farmers’ markets with SNAP incentive programs (n = 23). The intervention was a 13-week campaign, placing digital ads on Facebook and the Fresh EBT app promoting SNAP incentive program savings at farmers’ markets. The study measured farmers’ market SNAP shopping patterns and sales as well as digital campaign delivery and engagement. Data were collected July 1 – September 30, 2020. Results The digital campaign reached 251,966 people, generated 2 million impressions, and resulted in 12,849 clicks. During Summer 2020, zip codes randomized to receive digital promotions had 33.1 SNAP transactions (SE: 6.9) and control zip codes had 18.1 transactions (SE: 4.3), or 82% more transactions associated with promotions (P = 0.068). There were also more new customers from promotion zip codes (10.8 [SE = 2.5] customers) than control zip codes (5.7 [SE = 1.4] customers), or 90% more new customers (P = 0.075). SNAP and incentive sales were higher from promotion zip codes ($1392 [SE: $306]) than control zip codes ($949 [SE: $273]), or 47% greater (P = 0.284), but sales differences were not statistically significant unless controlling for Summer 2019 farmers’ market sales. Conclusions Digital SNAP incentive program promotions can increase farmers’ market SNAP participation, the primary study outcome, leveraging SNAP to expand farmers’ market reach and associated nutrition benefit to historically marginalized populations. Funding Sources USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives Program.

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 Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Shopping Behaviors and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption of Farmers’ Market Incentive Program Users in Illinois

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-118
Author(s):  
Chelsea R. Singleton ◽  
Nicollette Kessee ◽  
Corey Chatman ◽  
Connie Spreen
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Hispanic White

Introduction: Farmers’ market incentive programs, such as Link Match, provide monetary incentives to Supplemental Nutri­tion Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to promote their use of local farmers’ markets. Information on racial/ethnic differ­ences in the shopping behaviors and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption of farmers’ market incentive program users is scarce. This research aimed to address this need by examining users of the Link Match incentive program in Illinois.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 328 Link Match users (39.6% non-Hispanic White; 45.4% non-Hispanic Black; and 15.0% other) was conducted in 2016 and 2017. Information on each participant’s demographics, farmers’ market shopping behaviors, and monthly frequency of FV consumption was collected from Link Match users. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to assess differences in farmers’ market shopping measures by race/ethnicity. Logis­tic regression models were used to examine the association between race/ethnicity and frequency of FV consumption.Results: A significantly higher percentage of non-Hispanic Black participants reported being an infrequent farmers’ market user (ie, shopping ≤ once a month) compared with non-Hispanic White and other partici­pants (P=.01). After adjusting for covariates, non-Hispanic Black participants had lower odds of consuming fruit daily (OR: .44; 95% CI:.22-.86) compared with non-Hispanic White participants. Other participants had lower odds of consuming both fruit and veg­etables compared with non-Hispanic White participants (OR: .30; 95% CI:.12-.71).Conclusions: Differences in shopping behaviors and FV consumption were ob­served by race/ethnicity among Link Match users. Future research should examine the nutritional implications of these differences. Ethn Dis.2020;30(1):109-118; doi:10.18865/ed.30.1.109

Effect of Cotherapy Reduction on Tolerability of Epilepsy Add-On Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean K Naritoku ◽  
Joseph F Hulihan ◽  
Lesley Kraut Schwarzman ◽  
Marc Kamin ◽  
William H Olson
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Open Label Study ◽  
Effective Doses ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
To Receive

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects are the most common cause for failure of an antiepileptic drug (AED), especially when an AED is added to existing therapy. With the increased drug load, it may not be possible to titrate the newly added AED to effective doses. Reducing the dosage of AED cotherapy as the new drug is introduced may improve tolerability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reduction of AED cotherapy as a strategy to improve tolerability and patient retention when a new AED is added to existing therapy. METHODS: In a 20-week, randomized, open-label study, topiramate was initiated as add-on therapy in adults and adolescents (⩾12 y of age) with inadequately controlled partial-onset seizures. Patients were randomized to receive treatment in which adverse events could be managed by adjustments in AED cotherapy (flex-dose group) or treatment in which AED cotherapy dosages remained fixed (fixed-dose group). Topiramate could be adjusted as needed in both groups. In the flex-dose group, patients exited randomized treatment when topiramate was discontinued. In the fixed-dose group, patients exited when AED cotherapy was reduced due to adverse events or when topiramate was discontinued. The primary study outcome was the percentage of patients exiting randomized treatment due to adverse events. RESULTS: The flex-dose group comprised 297 patients; 302 patients were in the fixed-dose group. Significantly fewer patients in the flex-dose group exited the study due to adverse events (16% vs 23% in the fixed-dose group; p = 0.02). In the flex-dose group, 10% (17 of 168) of patients discontinued topiramate due to adverse events after AED cotherapy was reduced versus 22% (29 of 129) when AED cotherapy was not reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of AED cotherapy is a useful strategy to improve tolerability and retention when topiramate is initiated as adjunctive therapy.

scholarly journals Utilization of the California Nutrition Incentive Program Among CalFresh Shoppers and Its Association with Food Security Status (P04-010-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sridharshi Hewawitharana ◽  
Ron Strochlic ◽  
Wendi Gosliner
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
California Department ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Impact of a farmers’ market nutrition coupon programme on diet quality and psychosocial well-being among low-income adults: protocol for a randomised controlled trial and a longitudinal qualitative investigation

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e035143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L Aktary ◽  
Stephanie Caron-Roy ◽  
Tolulope Sajobi ◽  
Heather O'Hara ◽  
Peter Leblanc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Research Ethics ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionLow-income populations have poorer diet quality and lower psychosocial well-being than their higher-income counterparts. These inequities increase the burden of chronic disease in low-income populations. Farmers’ market subsidies may improve diet quality and psychosocial well-being among low-income populations. In Canada, the British Columbia (BC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Programme (FMNCP) aims to improve dietary patterns and health among low-income participants by providing coupons to purchase healthy foods from farmers’ markets. This study will assess the impact of the BC FMNCP on the diet quality and psychosocial well-being of low-income adults and explore mechanisms of programme impacts.Methods and analysisIn a parallel group randomised controlled trial, low-income adults will be randomised to an FMNCP intervention (n=132) or a no-intervention control group (n=132). The FMNCP group will receive 16 coupon sheets valued at CAD$21/sheet over 10–15 weeks to purchase fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat/poultry/fish, eggs, nuts and herbs at farmers’ markets and will be invited to participate in nutrition skill-building activities. Overall diet quality (primary outcome), diet quality subscores, mental well-being, sense of community, food insecurity and malnutrition risk (secondary outcomes) will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 16 weeks post-intervention. Dietary intake will be assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Recall. Diet quality will be calculated using the Healthy Eating Index-2015. Repeated measures mixed-effect regression will assess differences in outcomes between groups from baseline to 16 weeks post-intervention. Furthermore, 25–30 participants will partake in semi-structured interviews during and 5 weeks after programme completion to explore participants’ experiences with and perceived outcomes from the programme.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board, Rutgers University Ethics and Compliance, and University of Waterloo Office of Research Ethics. Findings will be disseminated through policy briefs, conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberNCT03952338.

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 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 Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participants: A Scoping Review of Program Structure

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1676
Author(s):  
Katherine Engel ◽  
Elizabeth H. Ruder
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Program Structure ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Incentive Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

The low intake of fruits/vegetables (FV) by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants is a persistent public health challenge. Fruit and vegetable incentive programs use inducements to encourage FV purchases. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify structural factors in FV incentive programs that may impact program effectiveness, including (i.) differences in recruitment/eligibility, (ii.) incentive delivery and timing, (iii.) incentive value, (iv.) eligible foods, and (v.) retail venue. Additionally, the FV incentive program impact on FV purchase and/or consumption is summarized. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews, a search of four bibliographic databases resulted in the identification of 45 publications for consideration; 19 of which met the pre-determined inclusion criteria for full-length publications employing a quasi-experimental design and focused on verified, current SNAP participants. The data capturing study objective, study design, sample size, incentive program structure characteristics (participant eligibility and recruitment, delivery and timing of incentive, foods eligible for incentive redemption, type of retail venue), and study outcomes related to FV purchases/consumption were entered in a standardized chart. Eleven of the 19 studies had enrollment processes to receive the incentive, and most studies (17/19) provided the incentive in the form of a token, coupon, or voucher. The value of the incentives varied, but was usually offered as a match. Incentives were typically redeemable only for FV, although three studies required an FV purchase to trigger the delivery of an incentive for any SNAP-eligible food. Finally, most studies (16/19) were conducted at farmers’ markets. Eighteen of the 19 studies reported a positive impact on participant purchase and/or consumption of FV. Overall, this scoping review provides insights intended to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of future FV incentive programs targeting SNAP participants; and demonstrates the potential effectiveness of FV incentive programs for increasing FV purchase and consumption among vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Social marketing for a farmer’s market in an underserved community: A needs assessment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meg Skizim ◽  
Melinda Sothern ◽  
Ondrej Blaha ◽  
Tung Sung Tseng ◽  
Lauren Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Media Preferences

The aim of the present paper is to assess local residents’ awareness of utilizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, and to determine internet use and media preferences of study participants prior to implementation of a social marketing campaign. A needs assessment was conducted to collect baseline data in an underserved neighbourhood in New Orleans (LA, USA). The study was carried out August 2014-May 2015. The assessment revealed that 73% of the respondents were unaware that the SNAP benefits could be used to purchase food in farmers’ markets; 63% of low-income participants never attended a farmers’ market compared to 27% of mid/high-income. Over 50% of the low-income respondents have access to the internet at least once per day. The results show the potential of raising awareness among a wide range of members in the community. This needs assessment will serve as the foundation for a social marketing intervention, which will be disseminated city-wide.

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