A Farmers’ Market at a Federally Qualified Health Center Improves Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Low-income Diabetics

Top Things to Know

The study demonstrates a dose-response relationship between intervention and FV intake.

Highlights the role of economic incentives and accessibility in promoting healthier eating habits.

Demonstrates that integrating farmers’ markets into healthcare settings can effectively increase FV consumption among high-risk populations.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study evaluated a 22-week farmers’ market intervention at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) aimed at improving fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among low-income diabetics in rural South Carolina. The intervention included personal financial incentives and was assessed using a mixed methods, one-group, repeated-measures design. Results showed a marginally significant increase in FV consumption, with higher odds of improvement for those using financial incentives and frequenting the market more often.