title: Increasing access to fresh produce by pairing urban farms with corner stores: a case study in a low-income urban setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our objective was to pilot collaborations between two urban farms with two corner stores to increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighbourhoods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a pre-post evaluation of two farm-store collaborations using quantitative distribution and sales data. Using semi-structured interviews, we qualitatively assessed feasibility of implementation and collaboration acceptability to farmers and storeowners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Low-income urban neighbourhoods in Baltimore, MD, USA in 2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pair #1 included a 0·25 acre (0·1 ha) urban farm with a store serving local residents and was promoted by the neighbourhood association. Pair #2 included a 2 acre (0·8 ha) urban farm with a store serving bus commuters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Produce was delivered all nine intervention weeks in both pairs. Pair #1 produced a significant increase in the mean number of produce varieties carried in the store by 11·3 (P<0·01) and sold 86 % of all items delivered. Pair #2 resulted in a non-significant increase in the number of produce varieties carried by 2·2 (P=0·44) and sold 63 % of all items delivered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case study suggests that pairing urban farms with corner stores for produce distribution may be feasible and could be a new model to increase access to fruits and vegetables among low-income urban neighbourhoods. For future programmes to be successful, strong community backing may be vital to support produce sales.
authors: 1Division of General Internal Medicine,Department of Medicine,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,2024 E. Monument Street,Room 2-621,Baltimore,MD 21287,USA.
authors: Kimberly A
authors: KA
authors: Gudzune
authors: 3Center for Human Nutrition,Department of International Health,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore,MD,USA.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Welsh
authors: 5Whitelock Community Farm,Baltimore,MD,USA.
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Lane
authors: 6Real Food Farm,Civic Works,Baltimore,MD,USA.
authors: Zach
authors: Z
authors: Chissell
authors: 3Center for Human Nutrition,Department of International Health,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore,MD,USA.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Anderson Steeves
authors: 3Center for Human Nutrition,Department of International Health,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore,MD,USA.
authors: Joel
authors: J
authors: Gittelsohn
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D015142:Baltimore; D004032:Diet; D005523:Food Supply; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D011203:Poverty; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D058012:Small Business; D014505:Urban Population; D014675:Vegetables
keywords: Agriculture; Community networks; Food supply; Poverty
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