Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114899

LaTonya Chavis, MS, Project Coordinator, Charlotte REACH 2010, Carolinas Community Health Institute, 101 W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite 5104, Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-548-5629, latonya.chavis@carolinashealthcare.org and Hattie Anthony, University Park Neighborhood Association Farmers' Market Committee, Charlotte REACH 2010, 101 W.T. Harris Blvd. Ste. 5104, Charlotte, NC 28262.

The goal of the Charlotte REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approach to Community Health) 2010 project is to reduce health disparities in cardiovascular disease and diabetes within a target community of approximately 20,000 African Americans. Innovative approaches and collaborative partnerships is the basis by which risk reduction and sustainability efforts are approached.

In 2001, a Neighborhood Farmers' Market (NFM) was formed by representatives from neighborhood associations, private sector, and government agencies. With only one major grocery store within the neighborhood, the market provides opportunity to purchase fresh, low-cost produce from local vendors. This promotes cardiovascular and diabetes health, while building capacity through economic development and community socialization.

From 2001-2003 customer participation averaged one hundred fifty, two hundred, and two hundred fifty respectively. Cooking demonstrations and blood pressure screenings and educational materials were available. Responsibility for market planning and implementation rested upon the NFM Committee. A challenge for the committee was inconsistent involvement of neighborhood residents in market operations. Although some volunteered, most procedures were performed by full-time agency staff. For sustainability, Request for Applications (RFAs) were developed and submitted to two hundred forty community organizations.

In February 2004, the University Park Neighborhood Association assumed operations of the market for the 2004 season. This partnership enhanced average attendance to four hundred weekly participants and increased average vendors to seven.

By developing a sustainability plan in partnership with a local neighborhood association, the NFM represents positive change that promotes cardiovascular and diabetes health, while building capacity through economic development and community socialization.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Recognize the benefits of a partnership between grass roots organizations and non-profit agencies in promoting healthy habits.
• Describe a unique approach designed to reduce health disparities.

Keywords: Underserved Populations, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation