217869 Access and education: The price of produce in Philadelphia farmers' markets and grocery stores

Monday, November 8, 2010

Anna M. Quinn , Jefferson School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
ISSUES: The average US fruit and vegetable intake is 3.4 servings per day, lower than the recommended five servings. Consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential for optimal child growth, weight management and chronic disease prevention. Attitudes and beliefs of the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is a major barrier to access. Providing education about produce, specifically the price at farmers' markets and grocery stores, may increase fruit and vegetable consumption. DESCRIPTION: Attitudes and beliefs on the price of fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets and grocery stores were gauged. A total of six farmers' markets and six corresponding grocery stores were selected from different zip codes in Philadelphia to obtain a representative sample based on race and income per Census 2000 data. Ten produce items were selected for data collection based on the growing season of south eastern Pennsylvania and items purchased by WIC members during a previous study. Data collection will occur during June - September 2010. Health education materials will be created based on the results and disseminated ensuring equal access to the information. LESSONS LEARNED: Results will provide insight on access, healthful food consumption, cancer and disease prevention, economic justice, and sustainable/local practices. RECOMMENDATIONS: A follow up study to compare Philadelphia to other cities, nutrient analysis and an assessment of the environmental impact of fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets versus grocery stores would prove worthy.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Biostatistics, economics
Environmental health sciences
Ethics, professional and legal requirements

Learning Objectives:
Assess the attitudes and beliefs of the price of fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets compared to grocery stores. Design, implement and analyze quantitative data on fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets and grocery stores within different zip codes based on demographic and socio-economic census data. Design health education materials to disseminate the information.

Keywords: Food and Nutrition, Equal Access

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: The abstract is based on my MPH thesis.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.