Perceptions of the double value coupon program in southern Illinois

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• Farmers markets offer access to seasonal produce, yet fruit and vegetable consumption remains low, especially in rural areas.
• Nutrition assistance programs at farmers markets aim to improve access, but participation and effectiveness vary.
• The Link Up Illinois Double Value SNAP Nutrition Incentives Program (DVCP) is a key initiative to enhance food access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the Double Value SNAP Nutrition Incentives Program (DVCP) in rural Illinois.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for DVCP implementation from organizational and community perspectives.
• To understand the impact of the DVCP on food selection for nutrition assistance program participants.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative methodology utilizing semi-structured interviews and a focus group.
• Involved diverse stakeholders: health educators, program administrators, farmers market managers, farmers, and DVCP users.
• Purposeful sampling and thematic analysis to identify key themes and saturation.

Main Results:

• Nineteen participants contributed to the study.
• Five overarching themes emerged: organizational capacity, program exposure, purchasing power, program advancements, and participant values.
• Four subthemes further detailed these findings, providing nuanced insights.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights facilitators and barriers to implementing nutrition assistance programs at farmers markets.
• Findings offer valuable lessons for similar "double value" incentive programs aiming to boost participation.
• Improving access for underrepresented populations at farmers markets is a critical public health goal.