Abstract P291: Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Shopping Behaviors and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption of Low-Income Farmers Market Incentive Program Users in Illinois

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown that low-income populations in the US often consume fewer servings of fruits and vegetables (FVs) per day compared to higher income populations. Farmers market incentive programs provide monetary incentives to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to support their procurement of fresh FVs. Information on the racial/ethnic differences in FV consumption among SNAP participants who utilize farmers market incentive programs is scarce. This research aimed to address this need by examining racial/ethnic differences in the farmers market shopping behaviors and frequency of FV consumption among users of the Link Match program in Illinois. We hypothesized that Non-Hispanic Black program users will consume FVs less frequently than Non-Hispanic White users. Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation of 328 Link Match users (39.6% Non-Hispanic White; 45.4% Non-Hispanic Black; and 15.0% Other) was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 farmers market seasons in Illinois. Information on user demographics, farmers market shopping behaviors, and frequency of FV consumption in the prior month was collected. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to assess racial/ethnic differences in farmers market shopping behaviors. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the association between race/ethnicity and daily consumption of FVs among program users. Results: A significantly higher percentage of Non-Hispanic Black Link Match users reported being an infrequent farmers market user (i.e., shopping ≤ once a month) compared to Non-Hispanic White and Other users (p = 0.01). After adjusting for covariates (i.e., demographics, market location), Non-Hispanic Black users had lower odds of consuming fruit daily (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22-0.86) compared to Non-Hispanic White users. Other users had lower odds of consuming vegetables daily (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.71) compared to Non-Hispanic White users. Conclusions: Significant racial/ethnic differences in shopping behaviors and FV consumption were observed among Link Match users in Illinois. Future research should examine the nutritional and health implications of these differences.