Farm to Work: Development of a Modified Community-Supported Agriculture Model at Worksites, 2007–2012

Abstract

BackgroundThe Farm to Work program is a modified community-supported agriculture model at worksites in Texas.Community ContextThe objective of the Farm to Work program is to increase fruit and vegetable intake among employees and their households by decreasing cost, improving convenience, and increasing access while also creating a new market for local farmers at worksites. The objectives of this article were to describe the development, implementation, and outcome of a 5-year participation trend analysis and to describe the community relationships that were formed to enable the successful implementation of the program.MethodsThe Farm to Work program began in November 2007 as a collaborative effort between the nonprofit Sustainable Food Center, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Web development company WebChronic Consulting LLC, and Naegelin Farm. The program provides a weekly or biweekly opportunity for employees to order a basket of produce online to be delivered to the worksite by a local farmer. A 5-year participation trend analysis, including seasonal variation and sales trends, was conducted using sales data from November 2007 through December 2012.OutcomeThe total number of baskets delivered from November 2007 through December 2012 was 38,343; of these, 37,466 were sold and 877 were complimentary. The total value of sold and complimentary baskets was $851,035 and $21,925, respectively. Participation in the program increased over time and was highest in 2012.InterpretationThe Farm to Work program increased access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for employees and created a new market for farmers. Increased program participation indicates that Farm to Work can increase employees’ fruit and vegetable consumption and thus help prevent chronic diseases in this population

A multi-level intervention in worksites to increase fruit and vegetable access and intake: Rationale, design and methods of the ‘Good to Go’ cluster randomized trial

“…No studies have evaluated the implementation of regular, mobile, fresh F&V markets at worksites. Two studies have piloted the sale of F&V at worksites, one through a farm stand and another through online ordering of produce baskets [47,58], though neither included rigorous evaluation methodologies. In addition, the current literature is missing studies that compare the effectiveness of mobile markets with or without nutrition education.…”

Recruiting Community Partners for Veggie Van: Strategies and Lessons Learned From a Mobile Market Intervention in North Carolina, 2012–2015

“…“Limited access” refers to communities in which high-quality, affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables are not readily available. Community sites, such as schools, faith-based organizations, health clinics, worksites and community centers, are effective places to reach groups of people for health interventions ( 13 ). Community leaders have institutional knowledge and expertise in working with priority populations ( 14 ), and their involvement can help cultivate community members’ trust ( 15 ).…”