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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Zoila Del-Villar, MS, Columbia University Medical Center, Hugo Newman College Preparatory School P.S.180M, 370 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, 646-721-7572, zz2119@columbia.edu, Peter McFarlane, EdD, Hugo Newman College Preparatory School P.S. 180M, 370 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, Mary McCord, MD, MPH, General Pediatric, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, VC 4-402, New York, NY 10032, Christine Williams, MD, MPH, Columbia University, 3959 Broadway-BHN7-702, New York, NY 10032, and Anita Lee, RPH, MPH, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes in predominately minority areas of Harlem and South Bronx (New York City) is 18%, twice the NYC rate (9%) and 2.5x the U.S. rate (7%). Residents in these low-income neighborhoods have limited access to inexpensive, fresh, produce, especially fruits and vegetables that are key to a healthy diet and diabetes prevention.

Objective: Fresh-Food-Fresh-Start (FFFS), a school based farmer's market, was initiated in July 2005 to provide accessible inexpensive, organic produce to families who have little access to fresh produce, and to build school and community pride and ownership in FFFS.

Methods: Farm shares were purchased and plans made for scheduled delivery of fresh produce (July-December). Farmer's markets were held weekly at PS180, managed by parents of school children. Weekly charts compared prices of similar produce at local groceries. Recipes and special deals targeted local taste and culture. Free canvas tote bags served as environmentally friendly shopping bags, incentives for customers, and effective marketing tools.

Results: Neighborhood participation exceeded expectations. Parents reported healthier family eating habits and positive attitudes towards fruits and vegetables. The goal of reaching 200 customers in 22 weekly markets was exceeded 3-fold (596 customers). Funds generated by the sales ensured sustainability of the program.

Conclusions: Low-income urban families, when provided with the opportunity to purchase inexpensive, quality organic produce, enthusiastically participate as volunteer managers as well as customers. This model warrants further evaluation as a public health initiative for health promotion and disease prevention in low-income, urban communities

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of teh presentation the participant will be able to

• Describe 5 components of a successful inner city Farmer's Market
• List 3 positive outcomes of the program

Keywords: Access, Environmental Justice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered