Between- and within-Group Differences in Fruit and Vegetable Purchases, Consumption, and BMI among Hispanic Farmers’ Market Shoppers Who Use SNAP

Abstract

(1) Background: Despite considerable efforts to increase farmers’ market access (FM) and improve household fruit and vegetable (FV) purchasing in low-income communities, little is known about the FV purchasing and consumption characteristics of low-income Hispanic farmers’ market shoppers. (2) Methods: A secondary analysis of baseline data from a farmers’ market study conducted between 2015 and 2017 (n = 2825) was performed. Participants who also received supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) completed a 31-item online survey assessing demographics, health characteristics, and FV purchasing and consumption habits. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess between- and within-group differences amongst Hispanic and non-Hispanic households. Regression analyses were used to examine associations among BMI, FV purchasing and consumption, and household size for Hispanic and non-Hispanic households as well as for Hispanic subgroups. (3) Results: The sample included 515 Hispanic and 2310 non-Hispanic SNAP-using FM shoppers in 13 states. Despite experiencing significantly higher food insecurity (89% vs. 81%, non-Hispanic), Hispanic shoppers consumed similar amounts of FV (3.04 cups/day) and spent less doing so. Significant subgroup differences were identified for FV purchasing. (4) Conclusions: Findings emphasize the importance of food insecurity and household size in FV interventions and underscore the capacity of Hispanic families to maintain FV consumption.

Understanding Impacts of SNAP Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program at Farmers’ Markets: Findings from a 13 State RCT

“…Additionally, adopting FV incentives at FMs could have important implications for addressing nutrition equity among individuals who use SNAP. Previous research suggests that SNAP FM shoppers purchase and consume more FVs than the average SNAP user [ 19 , 20 ], in some cases while spending less (i.e., Hispanic SNAP FM shoppers; [ 21 ]). Further study and testing of the highest-level incentive from the current study represents a promising opportunity to increase the purchasing power of individuals who face nutrition inequity (e.g., food insecurity), demonstrating a commitment to healthier food purchasing and consumption at FMs.…”

Evaluating the Full Plate Living lifestyle intervention in low-income monolingual Latinas with and without food insecurity

“…8 Latinos are 2.5 times more likely to experience FI than non-Hispanic Whites, with Puerto Ricans and those of Mexican origin being most affected. 9 Furthermore, globally, and in the United States, FI is associated with worse health outcomes among women, especially women who are the head of a household. 10 …”

“…8 Latinos are 2.5 times more likely to experience FI than non-Hispanic Whites, with Puerto Ricans and those of Mexican origin being most affected. 9 Furthermore, globally, and in the United States, FI is associated with worse health outcomes among women, especially women who are the head of a household. 10 Smith et al reported that White and Hispanic women with FI have 41% and 29% higher odds, respectively, of being overweight and obese, while no correlation with obesity was found among men with FI.…”