Utilizing Mobile Farm Stands to Increase Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Rural Maine

Introduction: Consistent consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is linked with a myriad of positive health outcomes including healthy weight maintenance and decreased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. A major impediment to such consumption for adults residing in rural areas is inadequate access to fresh foods, creating the phenomenon of the food desert. This is particularly concerning given the health disparities facing individuals residing in rural areas, since many Maine communities exist in such food deserts.

Methodology: In order to increase access, the Division of Population Health, Maine CDC, worked with a statewide food distribution center (Good Shepherd Food Bank), the Maine Federation of Farmer’s Markets, community partners such as Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community coalitions to develop  and implement Mobile Farmstands (MFS). Mobile Farmstands provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables to remote areas while maintaining the ‘merchant and customer’ interaction of a traditional farmer’s market model. An important feature of the MFS pilot was the subsidized price of food and customers’ ability to make purchases using cash, credit, or EBT cards.

Results: The current study examined the efficacy of a MFS pilot with potential implementation state-wide forthcoming. Structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with customers and partners from the host site and implementing agency; survey data were also collected from customers. We will discuss the facilitators and barriers of the MFS implementation as well as lessons learned for future implementation of the MFS statewide and in other states.