Objective Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods. 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 neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD in 2012 Subjects Pair #1 included a ½-acre urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighborhood association. Pair #2 included a 6-acre urban farm with a store serving bus commuters. Results Produce was delivered all 9 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 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 neighborhoods. For future programs to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.
Most studies examining the association of the food environment and health outcomes have focused on urban settings. However, rural adults and children have high rates of obesity, which may be related to their food environments. This study examines the food environment in 7 rural counties in Maryland. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 244 retail food stores from 2012 to 2013. Data on store-level characteristics were collected and a healthy food availability index (HFAI) ranging from 0 to 31 points was calculated for each store. Convenience stores (18.9%) and other nontraditional stores (16.8%) were the most common store types, and box stores were the least (4.9%). Supermarkets had the highest mean HFAI (24.8), whereas gas stations (8.7) had the lowest; convenience stores were also low (11.1). In rural Maryland, the most common food source types have low healthy food availability, and nontraditional food sources are an important part of the food environment.
B'More Healthy Communities for Kids (BHCK) is a multi‐level, multi‐component obesity prevention trial directed toward low‐income African American youth in Baltimore. BHCK works with small food stores, recreation centers, carryout restaurants, wholesalers, policymakers and families. Process evaluation is conducted by monitoring 88 implementation standards based on reach, dose delivered and fidelity. Guidelines rank each standard in terms of low, medium or high delivery. Here, we report on findings to date based on two feedback periods. Food store interactive sessions had low reach to the target audience (10‐14 year old youth) with 7.4 + 6.2 interactions/session compared to higher reach for adults (17.1 + 6.6). Dose delivered of food samples (28.5 + 14.4) and giveaways (16.2 + 6.2) distributed was medium to high. Carryout restaurant menu redesign obtained medium to high fidelity with 20% healthy side options and 10% healthy entrée options provided on posted menu boards. Recreation centers achieved high reach with 11.6 + 6.1 youth attending educational sessions. The agent‐based policy model (ABM) had low to medium reach with one local policymaker including the ABM on a formal agenda in the past year. Wholesalers obtained overall high fidelity by stocking food items that met BHCK nutrition guidelines. Social media and text messaging achieved high reach with 70% of BHCK‐enrolled families joining the program. Dose was high with an average of 3.2 text messages sent per week. These findings are used to monitor and modify components during the trial and to assess implementation quality post‐intervention.
Residents in low‐income areas often rely on corner stores for food, but these storeowners seldom stock fresh produce. Many urban farms are looking to provide better access to produce for low‐income consumers. Our objective was to partner two urban farms with two corner stores in Baltimore, MD to distribute fresh produce. In summer 2012, we conducted a pre‐post evaluation using semi‐structured interviews coupled with distribution and sales data. Partnership #1 paired a 6‐acre urban farm with a store that served commuters. Produce was delivered all 5 weeks with the mean total quantity of produce delivered being 38 (SD 16) items. On average each week, 6 (SD 2) different types of produce were brought into the store, of which 2 (SD 2) types sold out. Partnership #2 paired a ¼‐acre urban farm with a store that served local residents, and was promoted by the neighborhood association. Produce was delivered all 5 weeks with the mean total quantity of produce delivered being 77 (SD 12) items. On average each week, 10 (SD 1) different types of produce were brought into the store, of which 6 (SD 2) types sold out. Partnering urban farms and corner stores for produce distribution is feasible. For future programs to be successful, strong community support appears vital to sustain produce sales.Grant Funding Source: NICHD U54HD070725
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