Neighborhood-based farmers' markets: A tool for promoting community food security

Food security is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “access at all times to enough food for healthy, active living.” Key to the USDA's definition of food security is its emphasis on foods that facilitate healthful living, thus, food security is dependent upon access to fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. A growing body of evidence reveals that the people at greatest risk for food insecurity often reside in environments characterized as “food deserts,” locales with limited or no access to healthy foods. Community members residing in food deserts in Nashville, TN identified lack of food outlets as a primary concern for the health and well-being of community members, especially for residents with limited transportation options. To address this concern, a community-based participatory research process was used to develop two neighborhood-based farmers' markets. The farmers' markets were implemented in two low-income neighborhoods: one is predominantly comprised of African Americans and the other of whites and Latinos. Evaluation findings presented in this session are informed by data from anonymous customer surveys and market operations records. Nearly 500 customers shopped at the markets resulting in the sale of over 2,500 pounds of fresh, locally grown produce. Trends in increased fruit and vegetable consumption were found among market customers. The markets also served as a training opportunity for the youth managers. Both markets received positive feedback from residents and yielded small profits that will be used by the community groups for future food security efforts.