Kimberly A Gudzune1, Claire Welsh2, Elisa Lane3, Zach Chissell4, Elizabeth Anderson Steeves2, Joel Gittelsohn2. 1. 1Division of General Internal Medicine,Department of Medicine,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,2024 E. Monument Street,Room 2-621,Baltimore,MD 21287,USA. 2. 3Center for Human Nutrition,Department of International Health,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore,MD,USA. 3. 5Whitelock Community Farm,Baltimore,MD,USA. 4. 6Real Food Farm,Civic Works,Baltimore,MD,USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighbourhoods. DESIGN: We conducted a pre-post evaluation of two farm-store collaborations using quantitative distribution and sales data. Using semi-structured interviews, we qualitatively assessed feasibility of implementation and collaboration acceptability to farmers and storeowners. SETTING: Low-income urban neighbourhoods in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012. SUBJECTS: Pair #1 included a 0·25 acre (0·1 ha) urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighbourhood association. Pair #2 included a 2 acre (0·8 ha) urban farm with a store serving bus commuters. RESULTS: Produce was delivered all nine intervention weeks in both pairs. Pair #1 produced a significant increase in the mean number of produce varieties carried in the store by 11·3 (P<0·01) and sold 86 % of all items delivered. Pair #2 resulted in a non-significant increase in the number of produce varieties carried by 2·2 (P=0·44) and sold 63 % of all items delivered. CONCLUSIONS: Our case study suggests that pairing urban farms with corner stores for produce distribution may be feasible and could be a new model to increase access to fruits and vegetables among low-income urban neighbourhoods. For future programmes to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighbourhoods. DESIGN: We conducted a pre-post evaluation of two farm-store collaborations using quantitative distribution and sales data. Using semi-structured interviews, we qualitatively assessed feasibility of implementation and collaboration acceptability to farmers and storeowners. SETTING: Low-income urban neighbourhoods in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012. SUBJECTS: Pair #1 included a 0·25 acre (0·1 ha) urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighbourhood association. Pair #2 included a 2 acre (0·8 ha) urban farm with a store serving bus commuters. RESULTS: Produce was delivered all nine intervention weeks in both pairs. Pair #1 produced a significant increase in the mean number of produce varieties carried in the store by 11·3 (P<0·01) and sold 86 % of all items delivered. Pair #2 resulted in a non-significant increase in the number of produce varieties carried by 2·2 (P=0·44) and sold 63 % of all items delivered. CONCLUSIONS: Our case study suggests that pairing urban farms with corner stores for produce distribution may be feasible and could be a new model to increase access to fruits and vegetables among low-income urban neighbourhoods. For future programmes to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.
Entities:
Keywords:
Agriculture; Community networks; Food supply; Poverty
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