The Georgia WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program’s Influence on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Nutrition Knowledge and Competencies Among Urban African American Women and Children

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the impact of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) among Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants.Methods: Prospective study enrolling non-FMNP and FMNP (received $30 of FMNP coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables [F&V]) WIC recipients. Three surveys collected F&V intake for mother and child and nutrition knowledge/competencies. FMNP groups were compared on main outcomes using bivariate analyses and logistic regression.Results: Among participants using all coupons upon issuance, F&V intake significantly increased across surveys. In addition, intake significantly increased among >50% of FMNP participants reporting learned competencies (P = .03).Conclusions: WIC FMNP may be more effective with requirement to use all FMNP coupons upon issuance. F&V intakes may increase with nutrition education on competencies.