USDA program stimulates interest in farmers' markets among low-income women

Joy, A; Bunch, S; Davis, M; Fujii, J

USDA program stimulates interest in farmers' markets among low-income women

Authors

Amy Block Joy
Sybille Bunch
Maradee Davis
Jody Fujii

Authors Affiliations

A.B. Joy is Specialist, Department of Nutrition, UC Davis; S. Bunch is Research Associate, Department of Nutrition, UC Davis; M. Davis is Professor, Department of Epidemiology, UC San Francisco; J. Fujii is Chief of Staff, Sacramento Office of Senator Michael Machado.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 55(3):38-41. DOI:10.3733/ca.v055n03p38. May 2001.

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Abstract

A 1997 random survey of 2,000 participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program found that the program helped motivate low-income, pregnant and breast-feeding mothers to buy (and eat) fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets. In California, the program provides $20 in coupons to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). We found a small but statistically significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption among survey respondents. The total intake was 4.50 servings per day in the group that used coupons compared with 3.56 in the group that did not, an increase of almost 1 serving. Participants were also enthusiastic about returning to farmers' markets. Sixty-two percent of those who were given coupons used them. Most participants wanted to see the program expanded although many responded with suggestions to improve it.

References

Block G, Patterson B, Subar A. Fruits, vegetables and cancer prevention: A review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutr Cancer. 1992. 18:1-29. PubMed PMID: 1408943

Davis M, Fujii J, Joy AB, Bunch S. 1997. Survey Results from the 1996 Farmers' Market Nutrition Program of California, Final Report to the USDA/Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, UC Davis.

Joy AB, Davis M, Fujii J, Bunch S. 1996. Survey Results from the 1995 Farmers' Market Nutrition Program of California, Final Report to USDA/EFNEP, UC Davis.

[NAFMNP] National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs. Program Impact Report for the 1997 WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. 1998. Washington, DC:

Subar AS, Heimendinger J, Patterson BH, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake in the United States: The baseline survey of the Five A Day for Better Health Program. Am J Health Prom. 1995. 9(5):352-360.

[USDA] US Department of Agriculture. WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Consolidated Regulations: Food and Nutrition Service 7(CFR) 1996. 11:316.

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