#WYMarketsMatter: Testing Two Farmers Market Voucher Strategies to Increase Food Security

Study Summary

University of Wyoming (UW) and Wyoming Food for Thought Project (WFFTP) propose to collaboratively develop, pilot, and evaluate a trial on the impact of market vouchers on food security and fruit and vegetable (F\&V) consumption. We will (a) provide farmers market vouchers to families who are enrolled in WIC, SNAP, or free or reduced lunch and/or have incomes ≤185% of poverty line; (b) assess impacts of these supports on household food security and F\&V consumption; and (c) test feasibility and impacts of vouchers valid only for F\&V vs. for any foods that can be purchased with SNAP. To test the feasibility and preliminary impacts of this approach, we will enroll 30 individuals/households in this study, randomizing 10 to each of the 2 intervention arms and 10 to waitlist control. Qualifying individuals and families will be able to enroll in the study at the WFFTP Tuesday afternoon/evening market on July 30th, 2019. They will be randomized upon enrollment to one of three conditions: receiving $20 in vouchers at each of up to 4 markets ($80 total) that are good for F\&V only, receiving $20 vouchers at each of up to 4 markets that are good for any foods that SNAP/EBT benefits can be used for; or delayed intervention/waitlist control (who, at the final data gathering, will receive 5 x $20 in vouchers good at the WFFTP 2019 and 2020 markets).

Primary Outcome

USDA six-item short form Food Security Survey Module. They have been adapted to reflect food security in the previous 30 days (as opposed to 12 months) in order to compare food security before and during the intervention. Survey and tools available online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/survey-tools.aspx#.VEk0Bfl4qug

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Market vouchers