Presenter(s): Emma Fallon—Family and Human Services
Faculty Mentor(s): Elizabeth Budd
Session: Prerecorded Poster Presentation
Authorship: Fallon, E .R ., Pedroza, J .A, Kelly, N .R ., Budd, E .L .
Introduction: Rural communities have limited access to healthy foods, which hinders healthy eating and increases risk for chronic diseases . The objectives of this study were to qualitatively assess: 1) access to local, healthy foods, and 2) experiences while participating in a produce buying club among residents of a rural Oregon town .
Method: Nine interviews and two focus groups were conducted, one focus group including members of the local produce buying club and one including non-members . All study participants were asked about prices of food within their town; accessibility and availability of fresh, healthy foods; eating and buying habits; and other food related questions . Buying club participants were asked questions about their experiences with the program and the food they receive . Interviews were transcribed and content analysis was conducted by two trained research assistants .
Results: Prominent themes in both of the focus groups included a lack of food options, high quality produce, and affordable food prices . Residents expressed a desire to eat healthier foods, but cited access as a barrier . Buying club participants appreciated the service, but noted significant organizational challenges (e .g ., non-user-friendly technology, lack of paid employees, not allowing SNAP benefits) that made broader participation more difficult .
Conclusion: Study findings show there is a need for interventions that improve access to healthy foods in rural communities, especially among low income residents . These data can inform recommendations on how to improve and expand the produce buying club in rural communities .