Design and implementation of the Five-by-Five community fruit-stand activity in Flint, Michigan

This paper will describe the design and implementation of a community fruit-stand activity associated with the Healthy Eating and Reducing Obesity in Kids Project in Flint. Using the train-the-trainers model, Healthy Eating Project collaborated with "Weatherization" Division, Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD) and built five fruit stands which provided fresh fruits, water, and 100% fruit juice. Between March 2005-April 2006, pastors in five local churches delivered messages about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. 510 children (5-15 yrs) and 2,298 adults were offered seasonal fruit selections (egs., mangoes and cantaloupe) and staples (egs., apples, oranges, grapes and bananas), and received handouts highlighting nutritional benefits. The fruit-stand activity was integrated with neighborhood physical fitness. Twenty-five memberships (five per church) to a gym in another faith-based facility were offered for one year, and walking clubs were established subsequently by the participating five churches. Participants tracked the events using disposable cameras provided to them for photovoice. Walk-for-Warmth, Stroke-Prevention and American Cancer Society local chapters utilize these fruit stands for their programs. Churches continue to use them for special programs, i.e., dinners. Fruit-carts will be expanded to local grocery store parking lots, and will serve as a future venue for fresh produce from Mr. Rogers Garden, a federally funded program that teaches children how to grow vegetables. If the fruit-stand activity is found successful following systematic evaluation for community nutrition and health impact, it could be a blueprint for re-creating this activity in neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores.