Farmers Market Education with Supplemental Voucher Improves Farmers Market Awareness in Elementary Children

<strong>Purpose:</strong>The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to provide farmers market (FM) education coupled with FM voucher to assess FM awareness, attendance, and voucher use. <strong>Methods:</strong>Kindergarten through 3^rdgrade students attending a summer school program participated in this three-week FM pilot intervention study. A pre/post intervention questionnaire was distributed to students to assess FM awareness and attendance. In addition, an $8 FM voucher was provided to children for purchases of fruit and vegetables at the local FM. The voucher was valid for two weeks and fruit and vegetable purchases were recorded each week. <strong>Results:</strong>This study reported improved FM awareness among K-3^rdgrade students at a statistically significant level post intervention (<em>p</em>=0.005). Of the 75 students who received certificates, 21 students (28%) validated their certificate at the FM for an $8 voucher. Due to small sample size, FM attendance and voucher use could not be determined significant. <strong>Conclusion:</strong>Participation in a FM education intervention improved FM awareness among K-3^rdgrade students. <strong><em> </em></strong>The strongest improvements in FM awareness, attendance, and voucher use were observed in 2^ndgrade students. <strong>Future Implications:</strong>This pilot study provided results that can guide future research in this area targeting specifically children.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nutrition

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Papendick, Ali

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nicole Stendell-Hollis
• Dana Ogan
• Tishra Beeson

• Nutrition
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
• International and Community Nutrition
• Other Life Sciences
• Other Nutrition
• Public Health
• Public Health Education and Promotion

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/950

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-1951