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Marshall GA, Garner JA, Hanson KL, Ammerman AS, Jilcott Pitts SB, Kolodinsky J, Sitaker M, Seguin-Fowler RA. Fruit and Vegetable Preparation Changes During and After Cost-Offset Community-Supported Agriculture Plus Nutrition Education. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:575-584. [PMID: 37389499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) can negatively impact health. Cost-offset, or subsidized, community-supported agriculture (CO-CSA) may change FV preparation behaviors among caregivers in low-income households. We assessed changes in FV preparation frequency and methods during and after participation in a CO-CSA plus tailored nutrition education intervention. DESIGN Longitudinal comparison of outcomes at baseline, end of CO-CSA season, and 1 year later. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers of children aged 2-12 years from households with low income in rural areas of 4 US states (n = 148). INTERVENTION Summer season, half-price CO-CSA share plus tailored nutrition education classes. Comparison to a control group not included in this analysis. VARIABLES MEASURED Monthly frequency of preparing 9 FV for children's snacks and 5 vegetables for dinner; use of healthy preparation methods for dinner. ANALYSIS Repeated measures ANCOVA including state with Bonferroni correction and 95% confidence. RESULTS At baseline, caregivers prepared fruit for children's snacks and vegetables for dinner almost daily and vegetables for children's snacks every other day. The frequency of total FV preparation and most vegetable varieties increased during the intervention. Increases in total vegetables for snacks, dinner, and leafy greens were maintained 1 year later (n = 107). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Community-supported agriculture plus education is a promising approach to sustained increases in vegetable preparation for children's snacks and dinner meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Marshall
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
| | - Jennifer A Garner
- John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Division of Medical Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Karla L Hanson
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Alice S Ammerman
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Jane Kolodinsky
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Marilyn Sitaker
- Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University, Olympia, WA
| | - Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX
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Cheng J, Malone A, Thorndike AN. Importance of Nutrition Security to CVD Prevention Efforts in the USA. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:219-230. [PMID: 36995553 PMCID: PMC10060138 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The importance of addressing nutrition security for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the USA is reviewed by describing the relationships between food security, diet quality, and CVD risk along with the ability of governmental, community, and healthcare policies and interventions to address nutrition security. RECENT FINDINGS Existing safety net programs have shown to be effective at improving food security and diet quality and reducing risk for CVD, but continued efforts to increase reach and improve standards are needed. Adoption of policies, healthcare initiatives, and community- and individual-level interventions addressing the nutritional intake of socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may also lessen CVD burden, but scaling interventions remains a key challenge. Research suggests simultaneously addressing food security and diet quality is feasible and could help reduce socioeconomic disparities in CVD morbidity and mortality. Intervening at multiple levels among high-risk groups should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cheng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ashlie Malone
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Anne N. Thorndike
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1600, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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Wang Q, Baranow N, Kolodinsky J, Trubek A, Wang W. Convivial cooking: Impacts of an educational intervention on college students' food agency. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36170543 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2122721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This research examines the effects of educational materials, delivered with "take-home and cook-with-friends" meal kits, on college students' food agency. Participants: In the spring of 2021, 186 students were recruited at a US public university and randomly allocated into either an intervention group that received meal kits and educational materials or a control group that received only meal kits. Methods: Meal kits containing local ingredients were distributed weekly to the participants and surveys were conducted to measure participants' food agency, using the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale (CAFPAS). Hypothesis tests and regression analysis were then conducted to examine the educational intervention's effects on the CAFPAS scores. Results: The educational intervention had a positive and statistically significant effect on students' CAFPAS scores. Conclusions: Educational interventions hold promise in enhancing college students' food agency, at least in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Wang
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Natasha Baranow
- Center for Rural Studies, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Jane Kolodinsky
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Amy Trubek
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Center for Rural Studies, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Soares JM, Teixeira F, de Oliveira ML, do Amaral LA, de Almeida TDSF, de Souza GHO, Hokama LM, Menegassi B, dos Santos EF, Novello D. Eggplant Flour Addition in Cookie: Nutritional Enrichment Alternative for Children. Foods 2022; 11:foods11121667. [PMID: 35741865 PMCID: PMC9222506 DOI: 10.3390/foods11121667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of eggplant flour in cookie on the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics and to verify the sensory acceptability among children. Four eggplant flour cookie formulations were prepared: EF0 (or standard), EF2.5, EF5.0, and EF7.5 (Eggplant Flour 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%, respectively). The sensory acceptability, physicochemical and nutritional composition were evaluated. The eggplant flour addition of 7.5% to cookie reduced the acceptability (p > 0.05). The samples EF5.0 and EF7.5 showed higher diameter, expansion and thermal factor, while the EF0 and EF2.5 had higher thickness (p < 0.05). The flour addition significantly increased the hardness, Water activity (Aw), Titratable Acidity (TA) and Soluble Solids (SS) in the cookie, however, L* a* and b*, pH and SS/TA ratio values were reduced (p < 0.05). Increased levels of ash, dietary fibers, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were verified on the cookie after eggplant flour addition. Meanwhile, there was a reduction in energy and carbohydrate values. It is concluded that eggplant flour addition up to 5% in cookie maintains the sensory acceptability similar to the standard product when evaluated by children. In addition, it can be considered a viable alternative to improve most of the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of the product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Machado Soares
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Sector, State University of Midwest, Guarapuava 85040-167, Brazil; (J.M.S.); (F.T.); (M.L.d.O.); (L.A.d.A.)
| | - Flávia Teixeira
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Sector, State University of Midwest, Guarapuava 85040-167, Brazil; (J.M.S.); (F.T.); (M.L.d.O.); (L.A.d.A.)
| | - Mayra Lopes de Oliveira
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Sector, State University of Midwest, Guarapuava 85040-167, Brazil; (J.M.S.); (F.T.); (M.L.d.O.); (L.A.d.A.)
| | - Luane Aparecida do Amaral
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Sector, State University of Midwest, Guarapuava 85040-167, Brazil; (J.M.S.); (F.T.); (M.L.d.O.); (L.A.d.A.)
| | - Tainá da Silva Fleming de Almeida
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil; (T.d.S.F.d.A.); (G.H.O.d.S.); (L.M.H.); (E.F.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Henrique Oliveira de Souza
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil; (T.d.S.F.d.A.); (G.H.O.d.S.); (L.M.H.); (E.F.d.S.)
| | - Lais Maluf Hokama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil; (T.d.S.F.d.A.); (G.H.O.d.S.); (L.M.H.); (E.F.d.S.)
| | - Bruna Menegassi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados 79825-070, Brazil;
| | - Elisvânia Freitas dos Santos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil; (T.d.S.F.d.A.); (G.H.O.d.S.); (L.M.H.); (E.F.d.S.)
| | - Daiana Novello
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Sector, State University of Midwest, Guarapuava 85040-167, Brazil; (J.M.S.); (F.T.); (M.L.d.O.); (L.A.d.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-42-3629-8100
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Hanson KL, Xu L, Marshall GA, Sitaker M, Jilcott Pitts SB, Kolodinsky J, Bennett A, Carriker S, Smith D, Ammerman AS, Seguin-Fowler RA. Participation in Cost-offset Community Supported Agriculture by Low-income Households in the U.S. is Associated with Community Characteristics and Operational Practices. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-25. [PMID: 35416140 PMCID: PMC9991818 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subsidized or cost-offset community supported agriculture (CO-CSA) connects farms directly to low-income households and can improve fruit and vegetable intake. This analysis identifies factors associated with participation in CO-CSA. DESIGN Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) provided a half-price, summer CO-CSA plus healthy eating classes to low-income households with children. Community characteristics (population, socio-demographics, health statistics) and CO-CSA operational practices (share sizes, pick-up sites, payment options, produce selection) are described and associations with participation levels examined. SETTING Ten communities in New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Vermont, and Washington states in USA. PARTICIPANTS Caregiver-child dyads enrolled in spring 2016 or 2017. RESULTS Residents of micropolitan communities had more education and less poverty than in small towns. The one rural location (NC2) had the fewest college graduates (10%) and most poverty (23%), and poor health statistics. Most F3HK participants were white, except in NC where 45.2% were African American. CO-CSA participation varied significantly across communities from 33% (NC2) to 89% (NY1) of weeks picked-up. Most CO-CSAs offered multiple share sizes (69.2%) and participation was higher than when not offered (76.8% vs. 57.7% of weeks); whereas 53.8% offered a community pick-up location, and participation in these communities was lower than elsewhere (64.7% vs. 78.2% of weeks). CONCLUSION CO-CSAs should consider offering choice of share size and innovate to address potential barriers such as rural location and limited education and income among residents. Future research is needed to better understand barriers to participation, particularly among participants utilizing community pick-up locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla L Hanson
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Shurman Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - Lynn Xu
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Shurman Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | - Grace A Marshall
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Shurman Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853, USA
| | | | | | - Jane Kolodinsky
- Center for Rural Studies, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - April Bennett
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Watertown, NY, USA
| | - Salem Carriker
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Diane Smith
- Washington State University, Extension of Skagit County, Burlington, WA, USA
| | - Alice S Ammerman
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Abstract
This review article seeks to systematically identify appropriate ways to measure the consumption behavior of organic fruits. The systematic review of the literature was performed according to the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the eligibility criteria were declared through the PICOS (population, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study) tool based on 277 article records scientiometrically identified in both the Journal Citation Report databases from Web of Science. The literature review stages determined a reduced set of articles that presented valid and reliable measurement scales that covered determinant constructs in organic fruit consumer behavior (OFCB). The measurement scale with the best results reported within the screened articles covered the constructs related to health, fear, environment, effort, and economy, allowing it to serve as a reference instrument in further studies on food consumer behavior.
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Belarmino EH, Kolodinsky J, Ammerman AS, Connor Volpe L, Brown C, Jilcott Pitts SB, Hanson KL, Sitaker M, Wang W, McGuirt JT, Carfagno M, Hunsinger E, Seguin-Fowler RA. Growing Opportunities for Equitable, Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Food Systems Education: A Review of Food Systems Education at Land-Grant Institutions and Development of Open-Access Materials. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.756584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-secondary coursework related to agriculture and the food supply has been at the core of the United States' land-grant system for more than 150 years. However, as the complexity of food systems has grown, so too have critiques that the education provided in these programs is too narrow to adequately prepare graduates to address pressing food systems issues. In response, some higher education institutions have developed degrees in food systems. To support development of this burgeoning field, we created, tested, and refined four evidence-informed, interdisciplinary, equity-oriented, open-access teaching modules. These modules are based on our experience conducting a multi-site, multi-year transdisciplinary investigation of subsidized, or “cost-offset”, community supported agriculture and a survey asking instructors at land-grant institutions (n = 66) about topic offerings and current unmet needs for instructional materials. Our collaboration illuminated the potential and challenges of food systems research; underscored the value of transdisciplinary research teams; and identified several equity-oriented topics related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of local food initiatives suitable for advancing sustainable foods systems education. Instructors reported that the most helpful teaching aids would be case studies, lesson plans with active learning components, and reference lists with relevant peer-reviewed publications. The final modules seek to shed light on the complexity of food systems projects and build knowledge, vocabularies, and skills across disciplines engaged with food systems. Per instructor-defined needs, each module features a case study, active-learning activities, and references. We anticipate that the adaptable modules will be suitable for a wide range of students and courses.
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Seguin-Fowler RA, Hanson KL, Jilcott Pitts SB, Kolodinsky J, Sitaker M, Ammerman AS, Marshall GA, Belarmino EH, Garner JA, Wang W. Community supported agriculture plus nutrition education improves skills, self-efficacy, and eating behaviors among low-income caregivers but not their children: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:112. [PMID: 34461931 PMCID: PMC8406558 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adults and children in the U.S. consume inadequate quantities of fruit and vegetables (FV), in part, due to poor access among households with lower socioeconomic status. One approach to improving access to FV is community supported agriculture (CSA) in which households purchase a ‘share’ of local farm produce throughout the growing season. This study examined the effects of cost-offset (half-price) CSA plus tailored nutrition education for low-income households with children. Methods The Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) randomized controlled trial in New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and Washington (2016–2018) assigned caregiver-child dyads (n = 305) into cost-offset CSA plus education intervention or control (delayed intervention) groups. Following one growing season of CSA participation, changes in children’s diet quality, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity; caregivers’ nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and diet quality; and household food access and security were examined using multiple linear or logistic regression, with adjustment for baseline value within an intent-to-treat (ITT) framework in which missing data were multiply imputed. Results No significant net effects on children’s dietary intake, BMI, or physical activity were observed. Statistically significant net improvements were observed after one growing season for caregivers’ cooking attitudes, skills, and self-efficacy; FV intake and skin carotenoid levels; and household food security. Changes in attitudes and self-efficacy remained one-year after baseline, but improvements in caregiver diet and household food security did not. The number of weeks that participants picked up a CSA share (but not number of education sessions attended) was associated with improvements in caregiver FV intake and household food security. Conclusions Cost-offset CSA plus tailored nutrition education for low-income households improved important caregiver and household outcomes within just one season of participation; most notably, both self-reported and objectively measured caregiver FV intake and household food security improved. Households that picked up more shares also reported larger improvements. However, these changes were not maintained after the CSA season ended. These results suggest that cost-offset CSA is a viable approach to improving adult, but not child, FV intake and household food security for low-income families, but the seasonality of most CSAs may limit their potential to improve year-round dietary behavior and food security. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02770196. Registered 5 April 2016. Retrospectively registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01168-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, 600 John Kimbrough Boulevard, Suite 512, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Karla L Hanson
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, S2064 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts
- Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd, Lakeside Annex Modular 7, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Jane Kolodinsky
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, 202 Morrill Hall, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Marilyn Sitaker
- Ecological Agriculture and Food Systems, The Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA, 98505, USA
| | - Alice S Ammerman
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1700 Martin Luther King Boulevard, CB#7426, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Grace A Marshall
- Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, S2074 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Emily H Belarmino
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 225 B Marsh Life Science, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jennifer A Garner
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University, 210N Page Hall, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Center for Rural Studies, University of Vermont, 206 Morrill Hall, 146 University Place, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
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Tripp M, Jacobs M, Sastre LR. Perceptions, Satisfaction, and Experience of Low-Socioeconomic, Rural Patients Who Participated in a Pilot Farm to Clinic (F2C) Program Utilizing Local, Donated Produce. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2020.1860848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Tripp
- Department of Geography, Planning & Environment, College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Molly Jacobs
- Department of Health Services and Information Management, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University Health Sciences Building, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Lauren R. Sastre
- Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Perceptions of nutrition education classes offered in conjunction with a community-supported agriculture intervention among low-income families. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:3028-3036. [PMID: 32830626 PMCID: PMC9884744 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine participants' experiences with nutrition education classes that were implemented with and designed to complement a cost-offset community-supported agriculture (CSA) programme. DESIGN Qualitative analysis of data from twenty-eight focus groups with ninety-six participants enrolled in Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK). Transcribed data were coded and analysed by a priori and emergent themes. SETTING Rural and micropolitan communities in New York, North Carolina, Vermont and Washington (USA). PARTICIPANTS Ninety-six F3HK participants. RESULTS Participants found recipes and class activities helpful and reported improvements in nutrition knowledge, food preservation skills and home cooking behaviours for themselves and their children; they also reported that classes promoted a sense of community. Some educators better incorporated CSA produce into lessons, which participants reported as beneficial. Other obligations and class logistics were barriers to attendance; participants recommended that lessons be offered multiple times weekly at different times of day. Other suggestions included lengthening class duration to encourage social engagement; emphasising recipes to incorporate that week's CSA produce and pantry staples and offering additional strategies to incorporate children in classes. CONCLUSION Complementing a cost-offset CSA with nutrition education may enhance programme benefits to low-income families by improving nutrition knowledge and cooking behaviours. However, future interventions will benefit from ongoing coordination between educators and local growing trajectories to maximise timely coverage of unfamiliar produce in lessons; synchronous scheduling of CSA pick-up and classes for participant convenience and creative strategies to engage children and/or provide childcare.
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Evaluation of Farm Fresh Food Boxes: A Hybrid Alternative Food Network Market Innovation. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su122410406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using a mixed-methods design, we evaluated Farm Fresh Food Box (F3B) a market innovation designed to expand producer markets, stabilize rural retail businesses, and improve rural food access. In the F3B model, pre-ordered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)-style produce boxes are sold through rural retail outlets. F3B was implemented from 2016 to 2018 as part of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded multi-state extension and research collaboration project in 3 geographically diverse and rural areas: Vermont, Washington, and California. The F3B evaluation aimed to (1) assess market potential; (2) determine logistics for successful implementation; (3) describe the benefits and drawbacks for farmers and retailers; and (4) measure consumers’ attitudes and purchase behavior. A national market survey indicated consumers would be likely to purchase F3B if it was perceived to offer good value on fresh local produce, without need for a subscription. The model put a few additional labor burdens on farmers and retailers, but required time for relationship-building and more record-keeping time for farmers. Those who purchased a F3B were generally satisfied with the quality, quantity and variety of produce each week and a high proportion considered F3B to be a good value for the money. As a new business innovation, F3B showed only modest profit, but retailers and farmers felt it was worthwhile to expand their customer base, promote their brand and develop their partnership. F3B began a means to address flattened growth in direct to consumer produce sales, food deserts and dwindling retail options for fresh foods in rural areas. We discuss F3B as a potential solution to food system weaknesses exposed by the COIVD-19 pandemic because it offers touch-free, high-quality local produce ready for curbside pickup at a convenient location.
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Massaglia S, Merlino VM, Borra D, Bargetto A, Sottile F, Peano C. Consumer Attitudes and Preference Exploration towards Fresh-Cut Salads Using Best-Worst Scaling and Latent Class Analysis. Foods 2019; 8:foods8110568. [PMID: 31766119 PMCID: PMC6915477 DOI: 10.3390/foods8110568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This research explored the preferences and buying habits of a sample of 620 consumers of fresh-cut, ready-to-eat salads. A best–worst scaling approach was used to measure the level of preference stated by individuals regarding 12 attributes for quality (intrinsic, extrinsic and credence) of fresh-cut salads. The experiment was carried out through direct interviews at several large-scale retail outlets in the Turin metropolitan area (north-west of Italy). Out of the total number of questioned consumers, 35% said they did not consume fresh-cut salads. On the contrary, the rest of the involved sample expressed the highest degree of preference towards the freshness/appearance attribute, followed by the expiration date and the brand. On the contrary, attributes such as price, organic certification and food safety did not emerge as discriminating factors in consumer choices. Additionally, five clusters of consumers were identified, whose preferences are related both to purchasing styles and socio-demographic variables. In conclusion, this research has highlighted the positive attitude of consumers towards quality products backed by a brand, providing ideas for companies to improve within this sector and implement strategies to answer the needs of a new segment of consumers, by determining market opportunities that aim to strengthen local brands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Massaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali ed Alimentari, Università di Torino, Largo Braccini, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.M.); (D.B.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Valentina Maria Merlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali ed Alimentari, Università di Torino, Largo Braccini, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.M.); (D.B.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-8726
| | - Danielle Borra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali ed Alimentari, Università di Torino, Largo Braccini, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.M.); (D.B.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Aurora Bargetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali ed Alimentari, Università di Torino, Largo Braccini, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.M.); (D.B.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Sottile
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Cristiana Peano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali ed Alimentari, Università di Torino, Largo Braccini, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.M.); (D.B.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
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Stotz SA, Thompson JJ, Bhargava V, Scarrow A, Capitano K, Lee JS. A Supplemental Produce and eLearning Nutrition Education Program for Georgians Who Use Safety-Net Clinics for Their Health Care. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:1099-1106. [PMID: 31345674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences of safety-net clinic patients who engaged in a 12-week supplemental produce and eLearning nutrition education program. METHODS This mixed-method study employed a nonrandomized comparison study design. Participants (intervention [n = 20] and comparison control [n = 6]) had diet-related chronic diseases. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention, focus group interviews, 24-hour diet recalls, and clinical and anthropometric outcome assessments. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using the constant comparison method. Nonparametric data analyses were conducted for quantitative data. RESULTS Three primary themes emerged: (1) program benefits, (2) challenges to achieving health benefits and optimal engagement of the program, and (3) recommendations for program improvement. Quantitative data analysis did not show significant differences in pre- and post-clinical and anthropometric measures between the intervention and comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Findings suggest a unique Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education dissemination model that may decrease barriers to healthful eating and increase engagement in eLearning nutrition education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Stotz
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
| | | | - Vibha Bhargava
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Andrea Scarrow
- Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA
| | - Krissy Capitano
- Clinical and Translational Research Unit, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Jung Sun Lee
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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Community Supported Agriculture Farmers’ Perceptions of Management Benefits and Drawbacks. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11123262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct partnership between producer(s) and a group of consumers/members to share the risks and responsibilities of farming activities. CSA aims at producing and providing environmentally, socially, economically, and nutritionally sustainable food. Past research has focused on CSA members’ motivations. This research aims to gain a better understanding of CSA farmers’ perceived benefits and drawbacks in managing a CSA farm, and whether CSA management perception varies in different countries. The research collected data from 35 farmers that were based in the United States (US) and Hungary (HU). Data elaboration includes a one-way Anova test, Chi-square test, principal component analysis, and multiple multivariate linear regressions. The results support that US and HU farmers have similar positive perceptions of CSA farming management, especially in food quality, nutritional value products, environmental, and community benefits. The main differences concentrate on economic, financial, and management perceptions. CSA success as an alternative agro-food production and distribution system relies on the capability to involve CSA members. Therefore, CSA farmers’ management skills may evolve to ensure the performance of communication and community engaging practices. The main CSA concern is ensuring a fair income and living wage for the farmers and labor force. There is a need for better balancing non-monetary and monetary benefits for the farmers.
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Hanson KL, Volpe LC, Kolodinsky J, Hwang G, Wang W, Jilcott Pitts SB, Sitaker M, Ammerman AS, Seguin RA. Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviors regarding Fruits and Vegetables among Cost-offset Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Applicants, Purchasers, and a Comparison Sample. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061320. [PMID: 31212869 PMCID: PMC6627932 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) participation has been associated with high fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, which may be due to better access to FV for CSA purchasers, or to positive knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) regarding healthy eating among CSA applicants. The objective of this study was to examine KAB and consumption, in association with application to a cost-offset CSA (CO-CSA) program, and with CO-CSA purchase among applicants. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of CO-CSA applicants and a comparison sample in August 2017. All respondents were English-reading adults with a child 2–12 years old and household income of ≤185% of the federal poverty level. Among CO-CSA applicants, some were CO-CSA purchasers (n = 46) and some were not (n = 18). An online comparison sample met equivalent eligibility criteria, but had not participated in CSA for three years (n = 105). We compared CO-CSA applicants to the comparison sample, and compared purchasers and non-purchaser sub-groups, using Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square analysis. CO-CSA applicants reported better knowledge, self-efficacy, home habits, and diet than the comparison sample. Among applicants, CO-CSA purchasers and non-purchasers had equivalent KAB, but children in purchaser households had higher FV consumption than in non-purchaser households (4.14 vs. 1.83 cups, p = 0.001). Future research should explore associations between CO-CSA participation and diet using experimental methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla L Hanson
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Leah C Volpe
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Jane Kolodinsky
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Grace Hwang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Marilyn Sitaker
- The Evergreen State College, Ecological Agriculture and Food System, Olympia, WA 98505, USA.
| | - Alice S Ammerman
- Gillings School of Global Public Health and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Seguin
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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