Low-income adults' perceptions of farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programmes

Abstract

Objective To better understand low-income adults' attitudes towards participating in farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) and nutrition education programming. Design Focus groups were held with a diverse sample of adults. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Setting Three affordable housing communities in Washington, DC, USA. Subjects Participants included twenty-eight residents of the three affordable housing communities. Results Four major themes emerged across groups, along with several sub-themes within each theme. These included: (i) perceptions of farmers' markets (benefits, barriers, current participation and knowledge); (ii) perceptions of CSA (benefits, barriers and questions/concerns); (iii) need/interest in additional programming (nutrition education, non-nutrition education, qualities of programming and perceived barriers); and (iv) current health knowledge and behaviours (dietary behaviours, health recommendations and health concerns). Conclusion Adults living in urban, affordable housing communities desire access to healthy foods, but are limited by cost. Programmes could have a higher likelihood of success if they accept benefits like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are heavily marketed and incorporate culturally relevant nutrition education components.