Lindsey Haynes-Maslow1, Lauriane Auvergne2, Barbara Mark3, Alice Ammerman4, Bryan J Weiner5. 1. Food and Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists, Washington, DC. Electronic address: lhaynes-maslow@ucsusa.org. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI. 3. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. 4. Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. 5. Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine how fruit and vegetable (FV) programs address barriers to FV access and consumption as perceived by low-income individuals. DESIGN: From 2011 to 2012, the researchers used 13 focus groups to better understand low-income individuals' perceptions about FV programs. SETTING: Five North Carolina counties at community-serving organizations. PARTICIPANTS: Low-income participants aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. A majority were African American women with a high school education or less, and received government assistance. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Low-income individuals' perceptions about how FV access programs can reduce barriers and increase consumption. ANALYSIS: A socio-ecological framework guided data analysis, and 2 trained researchers coded transcripts, identified major themes, and summarized findings. RESULTS: A total of 105 participants discussed how mobile markets could overcome barriers such as availability, convenience, transportation, and quality/variety. Some were worried about safety in higher-crime communities. Participants' opinions about how successful food assistance programs were at overcoming cost barriers were mixed. Participants agreed that community gardens could increase access to affordable, conveniently located produce but worried about feasibility and implementation issues. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: Addressing access barriers through FV programs could improve consumption. Programs have the potential to be successful if they address multiple access barriers.
OBJECTIVE: To examine how fruit and vegetable (FV) programs address barriers to FV access and consumption as perceived by low-income individuals. DESIGN: From 2011 to 2012, the researchers used 13 focus groups to better understand low-income individuals' perceptions about FV programs. SETTING: Five North Carolina counties at community-serving organizations. PARTICIPANTS: Low-income participants aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. A majority were African American women with a high school education or less, and received government assistance. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Low-income individuals' perceptions about how FV access programs can reduce barriers and increase consumption. ANALYSIS: A socio-ecological framework guided data analysis, and 2 trained researchers coded transcripts, identified major themes, and summarized findings. RESULTS: A total of 105 participants discussed how mobile markets could overcome barriers such as availability, convenience, transportation, and quality/variety. Some were worried about safety in higher-crime communities. Participants' opinions about how successful food assistance programs were at overcoming cost barriers were mixed. Participants agreed that community gardens could increase access to affordable, conveniently located produce but worried about feasibility and implementation issues. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: Addressing access barriers through FV programs could improve consumption. Programs have the potential to be successful if they address multiple access barriers.
Authors: Lucia A Leone; Diane Beth; Scott B Ickes; Kathleen Macguire; Erica Nelson; Robert Andrew Smith; Deborah F Tate; Alice S Ammerman Journal: J Hunger Environ Nutr Date: 2012
Authors: Andrea López-Cepero; Christine Frisard; Ganga Bey; Stephenie C Lemon; Milagros C Rosal Journal: Public Health Nutr Date: 2019-11-13 Impact factor: 4.022
Authors: Matthew J Landry; Marissa Burgermaster; Alexandra E van den Berg; Fiona M Asigbee; Sarvenaz Vandyousefi; Reem Ghaddar; Matthew R Jeans; Adelyn Yau; Jaimie N Davis Journal: Nutrients Date: 2020-06-18 Impact factor: 5.717