A workplace farmstand pilot programme in Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Food Systems
• Workplace Wellness

Background:

• Workplace farmstand programs can promote local food systems.
• Online ordering systems offer a novel approach to enhance accessibility.
• Employee demand for quality, variety, and local produce is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a workplace farmstand program.
• To utilize an online ordering system to boost local food system awareness.
• To encourage community participation and increase local fruit and vegetable availability.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week pilot study was conducted at a private company in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Outcome measures included employee surveys, sales data, and intercept interviews.
• Participants were employees of the host company.

Main Results:

• Employee fruit and vegetable selection was driven by quality, variety, and cost, with high importance placed on local availability.
• Weekly sales ranged from $257.95 to $436.90, with 28-39 employees participating weekly.
• Purchasing methods shifted from online to walk-up over the pilot duration.

Conclusions:

• The pilot demonstrated employee and producer interest in workplace farmstands.
• The program fostered a sustainable producer-employer relationship.
• Additional opportunities arose for both the producer and the employer.