Farmers' markets: costs compared with supermarkets, use among WIC clients, and relationship to fruit and vegetable intake and related psychosocial variables

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2014 May-Jun;46(3 Suppl):S65-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.11.016.

Abstract

Objective: To determine fruit and vegetable (FV) costs at farmers' markets (FMs) and grocery stores, determine Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participants' FV intake and psychosocial predictors, and compare FM users and nonusers.

Methods: Prices were collected biweekly from grocery stores and FM vendors. Participants were recruited from Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinic to complete a survey of FV intake, psychosocial variables, and FM usage.

Results: The FM cost was greater. A total of 377 participants (51%) used FMs. The FM users more often ate vegetables as snacks and > 1 vegetable per day (P < .05).

Conclusions and implications: Despite higher costs, FMs were often used. The FM users had a better vegetable intake pattern.

Keywords: WIC; farmers' market; fruit; vegetable.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Food Assistance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Food Supply / economics
  • Food Supply / statistics & numerical data
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Vegetables*
  • Young Adult