Farmers Market Use and Dietary Intake Among Snap Participants in Oklahoma

PurposeDetermine how Farmers Market (FM) shopping is associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and food literacy scores, and to understand knowledge, barriers, and rationale for FM usage among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Oklahoma.DesignCross-sectional study, online and in-person surveys.SettingSNAP-accepting FMs in Oklahoma.SampleSNAP participants in Oklahoma aged 18-64 years of age.MeasuresSurveys captured self-reported FV intake (cups/day), food literacy scores reflecting knowledge, skills, and confidence related to food, and perceived barriers and facilitators to FM shopping. Sociodemographic information was collected to characterize the sample.AnalysisDescriptive summaries presented with counts and frequencies. FV intake and food literacy scores summarized by means and standard deviations. FM awareness scores summarized with medians and IQR.ResultsFM shoppers had a significantly higher intake of FV (19.1 ± 4.2 vs 16.6 ± 4.2; P = 0.0006) and higher food literacy scores (27.7 ± 4.9 vs 25.0 ± 5.5; P = 0.0025) than non-shoppers. FM awareness did not differ between shoppers and non-shoppers. Most prevalent barrier to FM shopping was "I don't know where any markets are" (31.6%) most prevalent facilitator was "fresher produce" (43.3%).ConclusionFM shopping was associated with increased FV intake. Differences in food literacy suggest improving literacy may increase FM shopping among SNAP participants. Study provides new understanding to tailor and positively impact future interventions.