The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) has released the results of a new study aimed at understanding how to "get more healthy food into...communities through farmers markets."
Produced with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and in partnership with Columbia University, "Farmers Markets as a Strategy to Improve Access to Healthy Food for Low-Income Families and Communities" [PDF] examined eight markets across the United States that served low- to middle-income communities to understand "what market characteristics successfully attract low-income shoppers."
Two of the researchers' most critical findings were that price was not perceived to be a barrier to potential customers and that "[s]hoppers need better access to information about schedules and seasonal changes in order to become more regular market shoppers."
Recommendations for creating "more effective, engaging farmers markets" include:
- Positioning markets in locations that give the appearance of one-stop shopping
- Knowing your shopping demographic
- Partnering with neighborhood organizations to facilitate outreach efforts
- Expanding marketing and outreach to local consumers to educate them about the location, time, and acceptance of SNAP and WIC benefits
FULL STORY: New Report on Farmers Markets & Low-Income Communities
Farmers Markets Become Key Weapon in Combating Food Deserts
Rachel Cernansky reports on the federal government's recently announced plan to expand access to healthy foods by increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) acceptance at America's farmers markets.
Making Sustainable Food More Accessible to Less Fortunate Americans
As government funding for programs that make fresh fruits and vegetables available to low-income women and young children get cut, Sarah Parsons asks how to make the sustainable food movement less elitist.
Creative Ways to Activate Roofless Buildings and Vacant Lots
Pocket parks aren’t the only way to repurpose underused urban spaces.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)