Farmers Market Use among Families in North Carolina Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • BackgroundThe number of farmers markets (FM) has more than tripled in the last 15 years. Little is known about factors that influence FM use.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between FM use, dietary behavior, participation in supplemental nutrition programs, and demographic characteristics.DesignWe conducted a crosssectional analysis using the 2008 North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMPS) data (n= 2,932). We examined the relationship between use of FM 12+ times in the past year by WIC participation, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) participation, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, and race/ethnicity.ResultsFamilies with children who eat 3+ servings of vegetables a day were more likely to use FM (p<.0001). FM use among families participating in WIC or SNAP was not significantly different from FM use among those who did not participate. Children in families enrolled in WIC and living in counties that offer the FMNP were more likely to eat 3+ servings of fruit a day compared with those not enrolled in WIC and not in a county participating in FMNP (34.3% vs. 18.2%; p=.007).ConclusionsFM use and availability of FM subsidies in the form of FMNP vouchers may positively impact fruit and vegetable consumption among children.This analysis was not funded.

published proceedings

  • The FASEB Journal

author list (cited authors)

  • Racine, E., & Laditka, S. B.

citation count

  • 0

complete list of authors

  • Racine, Elizabeth||Laditka, Sarah B

publication date

  • April 2010

publisher