Examining Feasibility of Mentoring Families at a Farmers' Market and Community Garden. Issue 2 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Daniel R.; Manglani, Monica; Minnehan, Kaitlin; Chacon, Alexander; Gundersen, Alexandra; Dellasega, Cheryl; Kraschnewski, Jennifer L.
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 47:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2015.1133340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Fruit and vegetable prescription (FVRx) programs provide "prescriptions" for produce, but increased access to nutritional food may be insufficient for long-term behavior change.Purpose: We integrated nutritional education into an FVRx program at a farmers' market and community garden at Penn State Medical Center by pairing medical student "mentors" with 4 families with overweight/obese children.Methods: Each head of household completed a presurvey that included basic demographic information, as well as a question about barriers to healthy eating. Families made up to 4 visits to the market with mentors, during which students discussed and documented produce utilization. A 1-hour focus group with mentors was conducted and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data.Results: Two families completed all visits. On average, families spent 32 minutes at the market/garden per visit, had expenditures of $40.68, and reported one weekly produce item going unused. Families valued on-site mentoring, and students felt that it provided opportunities for professional development and improved self-care while also benefiting vendors.Discussion: Integrating medical student nutritional mentoring into an FVRx program was feasible and conferred benefits to participating families, students, and vendors.Translation to Health Education Practice: Educators should consider pairing access to nutritional foods with mentoring.