What is the Veggie Van Model?
Based on our research and similar to many existing mobile produce market programs, there are a few key components of the Veggie Van model that makes it effective for helping people eat more fruits and veggies:
b. Affordability: Produce is sold at reduced cost (compared to market rate for similar items)
c. Accessibility: Market locations are selected based on strong partnerships with organizations that are already serving the target population of lower-income families with complementary services (i.e., health clinics, community centers, etc.)
d. Accessibility: Markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other relevant local incentive and benefit programs (e.g., Double Up Food Bucks)
e. Accommodation: Markets are designed to meet the needs of the target community including any cultural specific foods
2. Veggie Van customers are encouraged to purchase an entire bundle (or box) of produce rather than just 1 or 2 items.
3. Cooking demos, recipes and nutrition education are available at the Veggie Van mobile market sites to help customers better use the produce in their boxes/shares
- Veggie Van is designed to address multiple dimensions of access to fresh produce for lower-income and underserved communities:
b. Affordability: Produce is sold at reduced cost (compared to market rate for similar items)
c. Accessibility: Market locations are selected based on strong partnerships with organizations that are already serving the target population of lower-income families with complementary services (i.e., health clinics, community centers, etc.)
d. Accessibility: Markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other relevant local incentive and benefit programs (e.g., Double Up Food Bucks)
e. Accommodation: Markets are designed to meet the needs of the target community including any cultural specific foods
2. Veggie Van customers are encouraged to purchase an entire bundle (or box) of produce rather than just 1 or 2 items.
3. Cooking demos, recipes and nutrition education are available at the Veggie Van mobile market sites to help customers better use the produce in their boxes/shares
Food Access InterventionAccess is not just about making food available, it includes accessibility, affordability, acceptability and more.
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Educational InterventionEducation includes cooking demos at the market, taste testings, recipes and weekly newsletters focused on local produce.
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Theory and Conceptual Model
Are you a researcher or student interested in behavior change? Check out the theories that support the Veggie Van model.
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