Oral

Farmers� markets are one approach to improve the food environment in the US by increasing community access to healthy foods. In this session panelists explore various aspects of access to farmers� markets. Panelists discuss disparities among farmers� market participants, approaches to attract diverse communities, programs connecting low-income patients to farmers� markets, a comparison of produce available in farmers� markets and local stores to assess contribution of each to improving the urban food environment, and system changes in farmers� markets in low-income neighborhoods to increase the use of nutrition assistance benefits at markets.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss factors that impact participation of communities in farmers' markets; 2. Describe approaches/programs to increase access to fruits and vegetables through farmers' markets among diverse populations; and 3. Discuss how farmers' markets contribute to the urban food environment to improve diet.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)