Barriers, Facilitators, And Benefits Of Community Supported Agriculture Programs Among Snap Recipients

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to elicit SNAP participants’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) participation, as well as program recommendations. Methods: Twelve SNAP participants were enrolled in a three-week CSA program. Participants completed a post-program survey and took part in a focus group or interview. The research team also collected field notes throughout the research process. The post-program survey was analyzed for descriptive statistics. Field notes, the focus group, and interviews were analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis technique. Results: Participants identified barriers to CSA participation including cost, picking up shares and unfamiliar foods. There were several facilitators including the desire to obtain healthy foods and the quality of produce provided in CSA shares. Participants reported increased vegetable consumption and improved overall health as a result of the program. Finally, participants offered recommendations to improve the program including expanded distribution options and additional programming, such as nutrition education. Implications: Study findings may be used to inform the design of CSA programs for SNAP participants