Abstract
Background
Fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption among school-aged children falls short of current
recommendations. The development of public–private partnerships (PPPs) has been suggested
as an effective approach to address a number of public health concerns, including
inadequate F/V consumption. The US Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Program (FFVP) provides F/V as snacks at least twice per week in low-income elementary
schools. In addition to increasing F/V consumption behaviors at school, children participating
in the FFVP make more requests for F/V in grocery stores and at home, suggesting the
impact of the program extends beyond school settings.
Objective
This study explored the potential for establishing successful PPPs between schools
and food retailers to promote the sales of F/V in low-income communities.
Design
Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with participants from
4 groups of stakeholders.
Participants/setting
Grocery store and produce managers from 10 grocery stores, FFVP personnel from 5 school
districts and 12 schools, and parents of children attending 3 different FFVP-participating
schools, all in the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan area participated in interviews and
focus groups.
Statistical analyses performed
Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach to examine benefits,
barriers, and strategies for developing a PPP.
Results
Key perceived benefits of creating a PPP included the potential to increase store
sales, to enhance public relations with the community, and to extend the impact of
the FFVP to settings outside of schools. Barriers included offering expensive produce
through the FFVP and the potential lack of communication among partners. Strategies
for developing a PPP included using seasonal produce and having clear instructions
for teachers and staff. Parents reported their children requesting more F/V as a result
of FFVP participation.
Conclusions
Stakeholders support forming PPPs. Partnerships between FFVP schools and retailers
can be mutually beneficial and have a positive impact on children and their families.
Key Words
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Biography
J. Gruner is director of community innovations, Pinnacle Prevention, Chandler, AZ; at the time of study, she was a doctoral candidate, Arizona State University, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Phoenix.
Biography
R. S. DeWeese is a research assistant professor, Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions, Phoenix.
Biography
M. Bruening is an associate professor, Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions, Phoenix.
Biography
P. Ohri-Vachaspati is a professor, Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions, Phoenix.
Biography
B. Evans is a professor, Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ.
Biography
M. Acosta-Ortiz, is a program coordinator, SNAP-Ed Food Systems, Phoenix, AZ.
Biography
K. Mollner is a community dietitian, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ.
Biography
G. Lacagnina is a food systems coordinator, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Office of Community Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 04, 2020
Accepted:
April 9,
2020
Received:
October 10,
2019
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This project was funded by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health through an Arizona Nutrition Network grant under the US Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, and by the Arizona State University Graduate and Professional Student Association.
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
