Policy strategies to sustain markets in low income communities

Farmers' markets are an increasing priority for communities and health advocates. They contribute to the health of community members and the economic livelihood of small farms. Despite increasing recognition of the positive impact that farmers' markets have in revitalizing communities, relatively little is published on strategies that sustain markets in lower income communities. The presentation will describe how community level factors, federal food assistance programs and related public policies impact farmers' markets in underserved areas. Best practices for developing and maintaining markets will be discussed, as well as strategies to help sustain markets, such as expanded access to federal food assistance programs and use of bonus vouchers. Measuring the impact of federal food assistance programs on farmer income, farmers' markets and regional economies will be discussed, as well as policy implications for improving access in low income communities.