XULA 2026 | 10.04.06 - Tajiria Ricks

Описание: Abstract #10.04.06 — FRESH FOOD, FAIR ACCESS: RURAL FARMERS MARKET STRATEGIES

Author(s) :: T Ricks; LJ Bradley

Author(s) Affiliation(s) :: The University of Alabama (TR, LJB)

Food insecurity remains a major determinant of poor population health in rural communities, where geographic isolation, limited food retail options, and structural inequities elevate risks for chronic disease. Farmers markets offer a promising but underutilized strategy to increase access to fresh, nutritious foods while supporting local food systems and health equity. This project synthesizes evidence from cross-sectional and mixed-method studies to assess how farmers markets improve rural food access and what systemic factors shape their effectiveness. To complement the literature, this work will incorporate a direct community perspective through planned pre-post surveys that capture rural residents’ experiences with food availability, dietary behaviors, market usability, and perceived barriers to participation. Existing research shows that farmers markets can enhance dietary quality and food access but often operate separately from broader nutrition programs, limiting their population-level impact. Greater integration with federal nutrition supports, stronger community partnerships, and context-specific implementation are critical for maximizing reach and sustainability. By positioning farmers markets as key components of rural food security efforts, this project outlines an actionable, equity-focused pathway to improving health outcomes in under-resourced communities and highlights their potential as scalable public health tools capable of reducing rural disparities.

To stay up-to-date with more health equity news, follow: #XULACon #1JGCollabs