Qualitative assessment of participant utilization and satisfaction with the Seattle Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program.
BACKGROUND
The Seattle Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program delivered fresh fruits and vegetables to homebound seniors in King County, Washington, from June through October 2001. A primary objective of the program was to increase participants' intake of fruits and vegetables. A qualitative study was conducted to examine the impact of the program on participating homebound seniors.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were performed with 27 participants in their homes to identify benefits and barriers they encountered and to measure their use and sense of satisfaction with the program.


RESULTS
Analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed several common themes: Participants appreciated the variety and quality of the fresh fruits and vegetables. Some participants would not have had access to fresh fruits and vegetables without the program. Home-delivered baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables brought participants joy, stimulated interest in healthy foods, and improved quality of life. The program newsletter supported consumption of fresh produce.


CONCLUSIONS
Program success was rooted in the multiple ways the program addressed potential barriers and reinforced behavioral intent.
Smith
Lynne T
LT
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Community Guide Branch, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, Wash, USA. djohn@u.washington.edu
Johnson
Donna B
DB
Beaudoin
Sharon
S
Monsen
Elaine R
ER
LoGerfo
James P
JP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014675:Vegetables; D014861:Washington