Mobile Markets as a setting for nutrition education: Findings from a community-engaged pilot project

Wisconsin data show racial disparities in obesity (26% for all residents, 44% for African American residents) and startlingly high poverty rates. SHARE Wisconsin, a local non-profit organization, brings healthy, affordable food to low-income neighborhoods in Milwaukee through their Mobile Markets (MM) program, providing monthly mobile food markets hosted by community-based organizations. We used a collaborative, community-engaged approach to translate evidence based practices in nutrition education to the local community context. A Technical Advisory Board (TAB) of public health researchers and practitioners identified promising interventions from peer-reviewed literature and provided expertise from clinical practice. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) of staff from community organizations and consumers at MM adapted TAB recommendations to fit their sites. Consumer surveys identified nutrition education interests and needs. TAB, CAB, and survey results guided design of nutrition workshops and point-of-purchase labeling. Five diverse pilot sites implemented site-specific educational programs that included standardized elements. Workshops focused on healthy, affordable food selection, label reading, and cooking demonstrations. Implementation process and recruitment success varied according to site. Initial results from participants describe the program was helpful, interesting, and well-organized. Feedback from CAB and TAB suggest input from both engaged community and academic partners was critical in identifying relevant content and responsive strategies for successful nutrition education programming. Additional intervention details, findings, and lessons learned from our unique collaborative approach will be presented.