Factors Associated with Participation in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) among Low-Income Households: A Scoping Review

Households with limited financial resources often struggle with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food. Community supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet low-income households seldom participate due to cost and other barriers. Cost-o...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nutrients 2024-07, Vol.16 (15), p.2450
Main Authors: Hanson, Karla L, Concepcion, Claire, Volpe, Leah C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agriculture
community engagement
Community Participation
Community supported agriculture
cost offsets
Family Characteristics
farm collaborations
Farms
Female
Food Assistance
Food relief
Food security
Food Supply - economics
fresh fruit and vegetables
Fruit
Fruits
Geospatial data
Households
Humans
Low income groups
low-income households
Male
North Carolina
Nutrition
Participation
Personal income
Poverty
United States
Vegetables
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Households with limited financial resources often struggle with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food. Community supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet low-income households seldom participate due to cost and other barriers. Cost-offset (or subsidized) CSA reduces financial barriers, yet engagement varies widely among those who enroll. This scoping review explored factors associated with CSA participation among low-income households in the United States. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted, the evidence was synthesized, and themes were developed. The findings suggested that women may be more likely than men to enroll in CSA. A lack of familiarity with CSA may hinder enrollment, whereas more education and self-efficacy for food preparation may facilitate participation. In terms of share contents, high-quality produce, a variety of items, more fruit, a choice of share contents, and a choice of share sizes may facilitate participation. In terms of CSA operations, a low price, good value, acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, close pick-up locations on existing travel routes, delivery of shares, clear communication, fostering a sense of belonging and trust, and educational support may support participation. Together these findings support 13 recommendations for cost-offset CSA implementation to engage low-income households.
ISSN:2072-6643
2072-6643
DOI:10.3390/nu16152450