The data collected by The Food Trust to evaluate their Farmer’s market program does leave a few questions. I would really like to see the level of reliance people, especially those below the poverty line, have on these farmer’s markets and a more in depth analysis of people’s diets, year round. Food access is very difficult to quantify because the definition is so broad: “access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. What are people buying at the markets and how much does it take of their diet? Is it enough for a healthy diet? Are people aware of what a healthy diet is? Do they want to eat a healthy diet? What happens when the markets close for the season? What percentage of people using SNAP shop at farmer’s markets? What percentage of people using SNAP live in areas with inadequate food access? Many of these questions would be better able to address just how effective these farmers markets are and may lead to ways to improve the system (for example, education plays a huge role in eating and maintaining a healthy diet).
