Do urban farmers' markets benefit community nutrition? Maybe not

INTRODUCTION: Farmers' markets may provide a means to improve nutrition in underserved urban communities. However, there has been little research on farmers' markets, and how they contribute to urban food environments is unknown. We sought to assess farmers' markets in the Bronx in the context of the produce stores nearest to them. METHODS: Researchers visited all 26 Bronx farmers' markets in summer 2011, as well as the two stores selling fresh produce nearest each market. Researchers assessed the variety, quality, and price of all items at farmers' markets, comparing farmers'-markets' produce to produce at their nearest stores. RESULTS: About 25% of all farmers'-markets' items were “processed or prepared” foods (e.g., pies, jams, cakes, cookies, ciders) and honey. Sales staff at about 50% of farm stands encouraged the purchase of non-produce items (e.g., donuts, juices, quiches); at 70% of farmers' markets, these items were “best sellers”. All farmers' markets were within 0.5 mile of a store selling greater than twice as many kinds of fresh produce on average. Store produce was usually cheaper, although not as fresh or as frequently “organic.” Stores were generally open 7 days/week all year long; farmers' markets were generally open part of one weekday for only a few months. CONCLUSIONS: Farmers' markets sell and promote items that are not optimal for good nutrition and health, and they carry more-expensive, less-varied produce in neighborhoods that already have stores with cheaper prices and better hours. Farmers' market may not improve food environments in urban communities.