Roles

Camille Horton: Class of 2012

Emily Constantian: Class of 2013

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2015

Department 1

Health Sciences; Center for Public Service

Department 2

Environmental Studies

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to better understand the lived experience of food insecurity in our community and to examine the impact of a community-based program developed to increase access to local, healthy foods. Participants were given monthly vouchers to spend at local farmers’ markets and invited to engage in a variety of community activities. Using a community-based participatory research framework, mixed methods were employed. Survey results suggest that most respondents were satisfied with the program and many increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. However, over 40% of respondents reported a higher level of stress over having enough money to buy nutritious meals at the end of the program. Photovoice results suggest that the program fostered cross-cultural exchanges, and offered opportunities for social networking. Building upon the many positive outcomes of the program, community partners are committed to using this research to further develop policy-level solutions to food insecurity.

Required Publisher's Statement

Original version is available from the publisher at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10852352.2015.973248

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