Fruit and Vegetable Purchases in Farmer’s Market Stands: Analysing Survey and Sales Data

Abstract

Farmers' market implementation holds promise for increasing access to healthy foods. Although rarely measured, purchase data constitute an intermediate outcome between food environment and actual consumption. In a study conducted with two seasonal Fruits and Vegetables (FV) stands in a disadvantaged area of Montréal (Canada), we analysed how accessibility, perception, and mobility-related factors were associated with FV purchase. This analysis uses a novel measure of FV purchasing practices based on sales data obtained from a mobile application. A 2016 survey collected information on markets' physical access, perceived access to FV in the neighbourhood, usual FV consumption and purchases. Multivariate models were used to analyse three purchasing practice indicators: number of FV portions, FV variety and expenditures. Average shoppers purchased 12 FV portions of three distinct varieties and spent 5$. Shoppers stopping at the market on their usual travel route spent less (p = 0.11), bought fewer portions (p = 0.03) and a lesser FV variety (p < 0.01). FV stands may complement FV dietary intake. Individuals for whom the market is on their usual travel route might make more frequent visits and, therefore, smaller purchases. The novel data collection method allowed analysis of multiple purchase variables, is precise and easy to apply at unconventional points of sales and could be transposed elsewhere.

Associations between farmers’ market shopping behaviours and objectively measured and self-reported fruit and vegetable intake in a diverse sample of farmers’ market shoppers: a cross-sectional study in New York City and rural North Carolina

“…Canadian study was similar to the mean variety in our study (2•8 v. 2•7) (36) . In addition, Freedman et al (37) suggested that an approach that includes the establishment of farmers' markets in low-income neighbourhoods, acceptance of federal food assistance benefits for payment and availability of healthy food incentive programming may increase purchasing at farmers' markets among underserved populations.…”

“…This study also adds to the literature regarding expenditures at farmers' markets: a Canadian study revealed that farmers' market shoppers spent on average $5 CAD (∼$3•60 USD)/trip to the market v. $23/trip in our sample (36) . The mean variety of FV purchased in the Significance at the α < 0•05 level indicated using boldface type.…”

Influence of Manure Application on the Soil Bacterial Microbiome in Integrated Crop-Livestock Farms in Maryland

“…According to USDA reports, more than 8000 farmers markets are currently listed in the National Farmers Market Directory [5,6].…”

The Effect of Weights and Measurements Usage in Business among the Urban based Fruits and Vegetables Market Sellers in Dar es salaam

“…Accordingly, some research has looked into the issue of noncompliance in the use of weights and measures. A study conducted in Canada by Rebouillat et al (2020) revealed that business people are incapable of using weights and measurement due to difficulties in accessing the measurements, poor individual perceptions on weights and measurements as well as lack of knowledge and awareness on the use of weights and measures.…”

“…For instance, studies by different scholars (Savio et al, 2016;Filho & Gonçalves, 2015;Yiridoe, 2005) shade light on the role of weights and measures on trade in general. Moreover, other scholars (Ibrahim & Mashenene, 2021;Rebouillat et al, 2020) focused on effects of service quality (SQ) on Weights and Measures customer satisfaction as well as access to weights and measures in business. While a study by Bengesi (2018) studies was slightly connected to the current one, its focus was on factors hindering the use of standard weights and measures along Irish supply chain.…”