Associations between access to farmers’ markets and supermarkets, shopping patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption and health indicators among women of reproductive age in eastern North Carolina, USA

Abstract

Objective We examined associations between access to food venues (farmers’ markets and supermarkets), shopping patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption and health indicators among women of reproductive age in eastern North Carolina, USA. Design Access to food venues was measured using a Geographic Information System incorporating distance, seasonality and business hours, to quantify access to farmers’ markets. Produce consumption was assessed by self-report of eating five or more fruits and vegetables daily. BMI and blood pressure were assessed by clinical measurements. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for dichotomous outcomes and multiple linear regression was used for continuous outcomes. As the study occurred in a university town and university students are likely to have different shopping patterns from non-students, we stratified analyses by student status. Setting Eastern North Carolina. Subjects Low-income women of reproductive age (18–44 years) with valid address information accessing family planning services at a local health department (n 400). Results Over a quarter reported ever shopping at farmers’ markets (114/400). A larger percentage of women who shopped at farmers’ markets consumed five or more fruits and vegetables daily (42·1%) than those who did not (24·0%; P<0·001). The mean objectively measured distance to men reported shopping was 11·4 (SD 9·0) km (7·1 (SD 5·6) miles), while the mean distance to the farmers’ market closest to the residence was 4·0 (SD 3·7) km (2·5 (SD 2·3) miles). Conclusions Among non-students, those who shopped at farmers’ markets were more likely to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Future research should further explore potential health benefits of farmers’ markets.

Farmers' Market Utilization among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients in New Orleans, Louisiana: Preliminary Findings

“…This finding is supported by other studies of other low-income, minority populations that show frequent use of super-stores (eg, Wal-Mart) for produce purchases in urban areas; these areas have limited access to supermarkets or alternative healthful food options, such as farmers' markets and community gardens. 46,47 A recently published study of low-income African American and Latina women in Forsyth County, North Carolina reported that price, convenience, and a lack of acceptance of SNAP or WIC benefits influenced shoppers choosing a super-store vs a farmers' market. 45 In our study, most women did not believe FMs were more expensive or less convenient than groceries or supermarkets, regardless of whether or not they were FM users.…”

Conceptualizing and comparing neighborhood and activity space measures for food environment research

“…Others may be older or unemployed and have no children, and have a smaller activity space, mainly staying in close proximity to the residential address. Still other women may be rural dwellers and have a longer distance to drive to shop for food compared to more urban women (Hillier et al, 2011; Jilcott Pitts et al, 2013). It is important to study travel patterns of a variety of demographic groups (e.g., employment status, urban or rural residence) in order to inform future interventions to promote health among various groups.…”

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Farm-to-Consumer Retail Outlet Use Among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Alabama

“…The prevalence of use in the current study is similar to other studies of FTC outlet use among WIC program participants. 28,36–38 In a study on usage patterns of a newly established farmers’ market located adjacent to a clinic in Miami, Florida, Grin et al 37 found that only 35% of lower income women receiving services at the clinic reported visiting the market in the past year. Jilcott-Pitts et al 36 observed that about 25% of lower income women in North Carolina used local farmers’ markets.…”