Farmers' Markets and the Local Food Environment: Identifying Perceived Accessibility Barriers for SNAP Consumers Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in an Urban Oklahoma Community

Abstract

Objective To examine barriers to farmer’s market (FM) use by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) consumers receiving TANF. Design Focus groups. Setting An urban community in Oklahoma. Participants SNAP beneficiaries receiving TANF (n = 64, across 8 focus groups). Phenomenon of Interest Perceptions about FM foods and barriers to FM use. Analysis Transcript-based content analysis using the five dimensions of access framework. Results Few participants ate fresh produce regularly and most appreciated the convenience of shopping at a supermarket. FMs were not perceived as available or accommodating to shopping needs and affordability and acceptability concerns were expressed. Few were aware of FMs that accepted SNAP. Emerging themes suggested residential segregation and cultural barriers to FM use. Conclusions and Implications FM managers, community nutritionists, and researchers should develop interventions that correct common misperceptions about FM products, minimize access barriers, and increase awareness of SNAP payment options. Residential segregation and cultural barriers may play a role in FM use and should be explored further.

Farmers' Market Utilization among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients in New Orleans, Louisiana: Preliminary Findings

“…15,17 While the findings are promising for these and similar programs, the longterm impact on FV consumption is not consistent. 8,18,19 In fact, poor and underserved individuals face several barriers to utilizing FMs, such as transportation, 20,21 cultural differences, 21 cost, 22,23 lack of awareness of FM locations, 18,24,25 or the ability to use SNAP benefits at FMs. 22 Objective: Farmers' markets are increasingly being promoted as a means to provide fresh produce to poor and underserved communities.…”

Effectiveness of a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Booth at Farmers Markets

“…Many SNAP participants are unaware that SNAP benefits are accepted at farmers markets throughout the country (Flamm, 2011;Wetherill & Gray, 2015). As a result, only 0.01% of SNAP benefits are being redeemed at farmers markets each year (Dimitri, Oberholtzer, & Nischan, 2013).…”

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Farm-to-Consumer Retail Outlet Use Among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Alabama

“…In a qualitative study conducted by McGuirt et al, 32 awareness of market locations emerged as a reason women did not procure food from local markets in North Carolina. Furthermore, a recent study by Wetherill et al 31 mentioned that personal interest in patronizing farmers’ markets among SNAP recipients in Oklahoma was affected by awareness.…”