Investigation of the Implementation and Perceived Impacts of a Mobile Produce Market in Disadvantaged Communities

Abstract

Food insecurity is a major public health problem in Canada. Community interventions are a growing response to addressing food insecurity. Mobile produce markets, which bring fresh produce to disadvantaged communities, are an example of such interventions. A mobile produce market called the MarketMobile was developed by Ottawa’s Anti-Poverty Project and Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres and implemented in four communities in Canada’s National Capital Region in 2014 with the purpose of addressing gaps in the availability of healthier foods. This dissertation consists of two research papers investigating the implementation and perceived outcomes of this program from both participant and stakeholder perspectives. Two studies using surveys, document review, and semi-structured interviews were conducted at the beginning and end of the program’s pilot period. The first study was an investigation of the implementation of the program during its pilot period. Findings from this study suggested that the program was well-received by participants but that there were inconsistencies in implementation. The second study explored perceived program outcomes. Findings from this study suggested that the program positively influenced participants, their communities, and stakeholders; however, some negative experiences were identified. Overall, it appears that while the MarketMobile was well-received and holds promise for addressing some contextual issues related to food availability, it has limited capacity to address food insecurity. Implications for future programming and policy are discussed.