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)