This pilot study was conducted to determine whether a supermarket double-dollar fruit and vegetable (F&V) incentive increases F&V purchases among low-income families. The study was carried out in a supermarket in a low-income rural Maine community. The participants were low-income and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supermarket customers. The participants received a same-day coupon at checkout for half-off eligible fresh, frozen, or canned F&V over a 4-month period. The study found total weekly F&V spending increased in the intervention group compared to the control with the largest increase in spending for fresh F&V. Customers who were eligible for SNAP saw the greatest F&V spending increases. The study concluded that financial incentives for F&V are an effective strategy for food assistance programs to increase healthy purchases and improve dietary intake in low-income families.
A Supermarket Double-Dollar Incentive Program Increases Purchases of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Among Low Income Families With Children: The Healthy Double Study
Published: November 2017
ID #: CAS024
Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav
Authors: Polascek, M, Moran A, Thorndike A, Boulos R, Franckle R, Greene J, Blue D, Block J, Rimm E
Race/Ethnicity: White
Age Group: Adults (ages 18 and older)
Resource Type: Journal Article
Focus Area: Pricing & Economics
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, Grocery store, Rural, Supermarket, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
State: Maine
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