Farmers' markets in low income communities: impact of community environment, food programs and public policy

Abstract

Farmers' markets are an increasing priority for communities and health advocates. They contribute to the health of community members and the economic livelihood of small farms. Despite increasing recognition of the positive impact that farmers' markets have in revitalizing communities, relatively little is published on strategies that sustain markets in lower income communities. This paper describes how community level factors, federal food assistance programs and related public policies have an effect on farmers' markets in underserved areas. Best practices for developing and maintaining markets are discussed, as well as strategies to help sustain markets, such as expanded access to federal food assistance programs and use of bonus vouchers. Policy issues for improving healthy food access in low income communities are also discussed.

Keywords:

• farmers' markets
• food access
• low income
• food policy
• nutrition programs

Notes

1. Low income is defined as neighborhoods where over 50% of households live below poverty or where average household income falls below 185% of the poverty level.

2. A State agency that operated the SFMNP in FY 2006 may continue to issue the same level of benefits that was provided to participants in FY 2006, even if the benefit level was less than $20 (7CFR249.8(b)(i), 2010).

3. The WIC program had over 9.1 million participants in 2009 (USDA, 2010h).