Operational challenges that may affect implementation of evidence-based mobile market interventions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Food Systems Research
• Community Health Interventions

Background:

• Mobile produce markets are vital for improving fruit and vegetable (F&V) access in underserved communities.
• Limited research exists on the operational aspects and challenges faced by these markets.
• Understanding operational challenges is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of food access interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify operational challenges faced by mobile produce markets.
• To explore strategies for mitigating these identified challenges.
• To discuss implications for future evidence-based food access interventions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 21 semi-structured key informant interviews with mobile market operators.
• Assessed organizational structure, operations, procurement, logistics, evaluation, marketing, and community engagement.
• Utilized deductive coding and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) for analysis.

Main Results:

• Leading challenges identified within CFIR domains: inner setting (funding/resources), outer setting (regulations), and process (community partnerships).
• Mitigation strategies include maximizing ancillary services, innovative staffing, and formalizing community agreements.
• Organizational and contextual factors significantly impact implementation.

Conclusions:

• Addressing mobile market challenges is essential for public health impact.
• Organizational factors require consideration for effective intervention implementation.
• Further research is needed to evaluate innovative solutions for sustainability and improved implementation.