Increasing access to fresh produce by pairing urban farms with corner stores: a case study in a low-income urban setting

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighbourhoods.

Design: We conducted a pre-post evaluation of two farm-store collaborations using quantitative distribution and sales data. Using semi-structured interviews, we qualitatively assessed feasibility of implementation and collaboration acceptability to farmers and storeowners.

Setting: Low-income urban neighbourhoods in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012.

Subjects: Pair #1 included a 0·25 acre (0·1 ha) urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighbourhood association. Pair #2 included a 2 acre (0·8 ha) urban farm with a store serving bus commuters.

Results: Produce was delivered all nine intervention weeks in both pairs. Pair #1 produced a significant increase in the mean number of produce varieties carried in the store by 11·3 (P<0·01) and sold 86 % of all items delivered. Pair #2 resulted in a non-significant increase in the number of produce varieties carried by 2·2 (P=0·44) and sold 63 % of all items delivered.

Conclusions: Our case study suggests that pairing urban farms with corner stores for produce distribution may be feasible and could be a new model to increase access to fruits and vegetables among low-income urban neighbourhoods. For future programmes to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.

Keywords: Agriculture; Community networks; Food supply; Poverty.

Fig. 1

The mean change in total produce varieties carried before (, baseline) and during (, intervention) the urban farm–corner store intervention in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012. Baseline means were calculated from data collected by study staff during two visits prior to starting the intervention. Means during the intervention were calculated based on distribution data collected twice weekly by study staff at each store. Mean change estimates (pair #1, 11·3 (sd 1·0), P<0·01; pair #2, 2·2 (sd 2·7), P=0·44) and P values were calculated using unpaired t tests. Pair #1 resulted in a significant increase in mean total produce varieties (**), while pair #2 led to a non-significant increase in varieties