title: Farmers' markets and the local food environment: identifying perceived accessibility barriers for SNAP consumers receiving temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) in an urban Oklahoma community.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine barriers to farmers' market (FM) use by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) consumers receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  An urban community in Oklahoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (n = 64 across 8 focus groups).
  
  
  METHODS
  Perceptions about FM foods and barriers to FM use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Transcript-based content analysis using the 5 dimensions of access framework.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Few participants ate fresh produce regularly and most appreciated the convenience of shopping at a supermarket. Farmers' markets were not perceived as available or accommodating to shopping needs and affordability and acceptability concerns were expressed. Few were aware of FMs that accepted SNAP. Emerging themes suggested residential segregation and cultural barriers to FM use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Farmers' market managers, community nutritionists, and researchers should develop interventions that correct common misperceptions about FM products, minimize access barriers, and increase awareness of SNAP payment options. Residential segregation and cultural barriers may have a role in FM use and should be explored further.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion Sciences Department, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, OK. Electronic address: marianna-wetherill@ouhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Marianna S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Wetherill
authors.affiliation: Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D063105:Food Assistance; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009825:Oklahoma; D011203:Poverty; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: farmers' markets; food assistance; food environment; food supply; fruit; low income; public assistance; shopping; vegetable