Abstract
Nutritional insecurity, defined by a lack of access to fresh produce, is a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and type II diabetes. Additionally, living on a limited income increases risk of becoming food insecure and is associated with a decreased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. This study looks at a 2016 public health and community needs assessment of the Spring Hill community of DeLand, Florida found that 90.5% of residents were most concerned about their lack of access to fresh produce. Three of the top four health concerns of residents were chronic diseases associated with a lack of access to fresh produce. With 74% of Spring Hill residents being asset limited and income constrained, many families utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase groceries. Understanding that income and food access directly impact the health of people in their community, Stetson University, Feeding Florida, Family Health Source, and the Artisan Alley Farmer’s and Maker’s Market partnered to develop the first Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at a farmer’s market in Volusia County, Florida as well as the first produce prescription program. As a result, the market became the closest source of SNAP eligible produce to Spring Hill. Since starting in November of 2017, the program has distributed more than $13,000 worth of SNAP and fresh produce incentives to 213 families, including 69 families from Spring Hill’s zip code.
Presenters
Maxwell DrozninCollege of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Florida, United States Johnathan Massey
Nursing and Public Health, University of Southern Maine, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Health, Produce, Practice, Public Health, Collaboration, Nutrition
