Optimising locational access of deprived populations to farmers' markets at a national scale: one route to improved fruit and vegetable consumption?

ABSTRACT: Background. Evidence suggests that improved locational access to farmers' markets increases fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, particularly for low-income groups. Therefore, we modelled potential alternative distributions of farmers' markets in one country (New Zealand) to explore the potential impact for deprived populations and an indigenous population (Māori). Methods. Data were collected on current farmers' markets (n = 48), population distributions, area deprivation, and roads. Geographic analyses were performed to optimize market locations for the most deprived populations. Results. We found that, currently, farmers' markets provided fairly poor access for the total population: 7% within 12.5 km (15 min driving time); 5% within 5 km; and 3% within 2 km. Modelling the optimal distr

SUBMITTER: Pearson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3709110 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature