Progress 05/15/17 to 05/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for Mid-Ohio Foodbank's Buy $5 Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program are low-income, food insecure residents of Franklin County who are current recipients of SNAP benefits, and who shop at the South Side Roots Market. Located within the Southern Gateway or South Side of Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio, the South Side Roots Market was selected as the pilot location for this initiative due to the disproportionately high percentage of the population who experience poverty, food insecurity, and/or chronic disease. Currently, 1 in 6 residents and 1 in 4 children in Franklin County are food insecure, meaning that they have insufficient access to nutritionally adequate or safe food. For the 6,900 residents of the Southern Gateway, the issue of food insecurity is even more significant. The average household income for residents on the South Side is $33,748, which is almost 40% percent lower than the average income for the City of Columbus. Moreover, 72% of community members have an income that is less than 200% of the poverty level, 40% utilize SNAP benefits to access food, and 42% are enrolled in Medicaid to meet their medical needs. Additionally, chronic disease is a significant concern for area residents. Rates of heart disease on the South Side are 55% higher than the Franklin County average, and 32% of preschool children are currently considered overweight or obese. Changes/Problems:As a pilot project, we originally projected that the program would reach 600 unique individuals and would expend approximately $70,000 in financial incentives. These figures assumed that each unique individual would return approximately ten times during the grant period. Although we far exceeded the number of unique program participants, the return rate was lower than anticipated, resulting in an unspent balance of grant funds, which led to the no cost extension that was applied for and was approved at the end of year one. During year two, the program faced the same challenges. Although it is difficult to surmise the exact causal factors, it is likely that program participation was hampered by our location. The Fresh Market at South Side Roots is co-located within the Reeb Avenue Center, a community center that was built on the site of a former elementary school that sat vacant for more than six years. Although this location is iconic in the community, the availability of community services including our Fresh Market are relatively new. Additionally, the building itself can be intimidating and parking is limited, which can make shopping at the market more challenging for customers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period, Mid-Ohio Foodbank implemented a comprehensive customer service training program with our market associates with the aim of better positioning staff to promote the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables within the market. Through this initiative, we provided training and education on different vegetable and fruit varietals available in the market and implemented customer service goals. Additionally, we hosted two dietetic interns from The Ohio State University who provided nutrition education training to our market associates as well. As a result, the knowledge base of our staff increased enabling them to answer customer questions with confidence and provide additional information as needed. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the reporting period, information about the project was disseminated via various methods which included advertising through three billboards for several months within the direct service area of the South Side Roots Market, conducting three door-to-door canvassing events, and distributing flyers in conjunction with local farmers' markets and local community events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?N/A- This is the final year of our grant contract; all goals and objectives have been accomplished.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the reporting period, 663 low-income customers of the South Side Roots Market who were participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participated in the Buy $5, Get $10 SNAP incentive program. Additionally, the following progress was made towards our grant-funded objectives. Objective 1. Implement a financial incentive program for SNAP participants at the South Side Roots Market which encourages the purchase of culturally appropriate, locally sourced fruits and vegetables while remaining in compliance with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Accomplishments: With funding from USDA/NIFA through the Food Insecurity Financial Incentive Program, MOF continued implementation of a Buy $5, Get $10 SNAP incentive program at the Fresh Food Market, located within our South Side Roots initiative. At the end of the year one, we were granted a no cost extension, which lenghtened the project period by one year. As in our first year of operations, during year 2 SNAP participants who purchased $5 worth of eligible fruits and vegetables received a $10 gift card at the point of sale that was redeemable for eligible fruits and vegetables at a subsequent visit. Produce for this initiative was sourced from local vendors, suppliers, and farmers including our own Urban Farm of Central Ohio. Additionally we remained vigilant regarding compliance throughout year as we continued to work to ensure that all elements of the program remained in compliance with regulations and requirements associated with USDA, NIFA and SNAP. Objective 2. Increase program participation among existing SNAP participants resulting in 85% of all SNAP transactions leading to program participation and a 50% increase in overall fruit and vegetable transactions at the South Side Roots Market. Accomplishments: During year two, 736 SNAP sales occurred at the South Side Roots Market, of which 90% led to incentive program participation, which exceeded our goal of 85%. Additionally, it is important to note that fruit and vegetables accounted for roughly 80% of total sales, far exceeding our goal of 50% and comprised the largest category of food products sold. Objective 3. Engage in evaluation activities designed to assess the impact of the program on "increasing the purchase of fruits and vegetables in participating households" and "improving the nutrition and health status in participating households." Accomplishments: Program impact was evaluated via client survey. During year two, an additional survey was administer in December of 2017 in conjunction with Measurement Resources Inc., an outside evaluation consultant that included 122 participants. Highlights included: 90% reported satisfied and/or very satisfied with availability/variety of fresh foods; 82% reported having much better access to healthy food choices; 78% reported eating healthier; 71% reported eating more complete meals; and 75% reported an improvement of their overall health.
Publications
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Progress 05/15/16 to 05/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the Buy $5 Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program at the South Side Roots Market are low-income, food insecure residents of Franklin County who are currently receiving SNAP benefits and shopping at the South Side Roots Market. Located within the Southern Gateway or South Side of Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio, the South Side Roots Market was selected as the pilot location for this initiative due to the disproportionately high percentage of the population who experience poverty, food insecurity, and/or chronic disease. Currently, 1 in 6 residents and 1 in 4 children in Franklin County are food insecure, meaning that they have insufficient access to nutritionally adequate or safe food. For the 6,900 residents of the Southern Gateway, the issue of food insecurity is even more significant. The average household income for residents on the South Side is $33,748, which is almost 40% percent lower than the average income for the City of Columbus. Moreover, 72% of community members have an income that is less than 200% of the federal poverty level, 40% utilize SNAP benefits to access food, and 42% are enrolled in Medicaid to meet their medical needs. Additionally, chronic disease is a significant concern for area residents. Rates of heart disease on the South Side are 55% higher than the Franklin County average, and 32% of preschool children are currently considered overweight or obese. Changes/Problems:As a pilot project, we originally projected that the program would reach 600 unique individuals and would expend approximately $70,000 in financial incentives. These figures assumed that each unique individual would return approximately ten times during the grant period. Although we far exceeded the number of unique program participants, the return rate was lower than anticipated, resulting in an unspent balance of grant funds, which led to the no cost extension that was applied for and was approved at the end of year one. During year two, the program faced similar challenges. Although it is difficult to surmise the exact causal factors, it is likely that program participation was influenced by the relatively new nature of this work. The Fresh Market at South Side Roots is co-located within the Reeb Avenue Center, a community center that was built on the site of a former elementary school that sat vacant for more than six years. Although this location is iconic in the community, the availability of community services, including our Fresh Market, are relatively new. Additionally, the building itself can be intimidating and parking is limited, which can make shopping at the market more challenging for customers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the project period, Mid-Ohio Foodbank provided ongoing opportunities for training and professional development for project staff. A comprehensive customer service training program along with customer service goals were implemented during year two. As a part of this program, market staff was provided with training and education on the different fruit and vegetable varietals available for sale. Additionally, we leveraged the support and talents of AmeriCorp Vista and the dietetics internship program at The Ohio State University to provide critical support to this initiative. In year one, we worked with an AmeriCorp Vista member who supported data collection, outreach, and promotion of the Buy $5 Get $10 Program. As a result, our Vista member was able to learn and gain valuable skills in data analytics and program evaluation. Additionally, we hosted two dietetic interns who provided nutrition education training to our market staff as a part of our customer service training program. As a result, not only did the knowledge base of our staff increase, but customer service also improved as our staff was now able to answer customer questions with confidence and provide additional information as needed. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the funding period, information related to this project was disseminated in a number of ways including conducting two mass mailings to more than 8,000 low-income households in Franklin County, running three billboards within the direct service area of the South Side Roots Market, conducting four door-to-door canvassing events, and distributing flyers in conjunction with local farmers' markets. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?N/A- This is the final year of our grant contract; all goals and objectives have been accomplished.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Throughout the two-year funding period, 1,283 low-income customers of the South Side Roots Market who were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participated in the Buy $5, Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program. Additionally, the following progress was made towards our grant-funded objectives. Objective 1: Implement a financial incentive program for SNAP participants at the South Side Roots Market which encourages the purchase of culturally appropriate, locally sourced fruits and vegetables while remaining in compliance with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Accomplishments: With funding from USDA/NIFA through the Food Insecurity Financial Incentive Program, MOF implemented a Buy $5, Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program. At the end of year one, we were granted a no cost extension which extended the project period for an additional year. SNAP participants who purchased $5 worth of eligible fruits and vegetables received a $10 gift card at the point of sale redeemable for eligible fruits and vegetables at a subsequent visit. Food for the market was sourced from local vendors, suppliers, and farmers including our own Urban Farm of Central Ohio. We assessed the preferences and cultural needs of market customers throughout the project period as a means of ensuring the selection was appropriate for the community and clientele. Additionally, compliance remained at the forefront of our work. Throughout the grant period, we worked diligently to ensure that all elements of the program remained in compliance with the regulations and requirements of USDA, NIFA, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Objective 2: Increase program participation among existing SNAP participants resulting in 85% of all SNAP transactions leading to program participation and a 50% increase in overall fruit and vegetable transactions at the South Side Roots Market. Accomplishments: Throughout the project period, 1,994 SNAP sales occurred at South Side Roots Market, of which a total of 1,606 or 80% resulted in incentive program participation. Although slightly under our goal of 85%, it is important to note that incentive program participation consistently increased throughout the grant period from 75% at the end of year one to 90% at the end of year two. Additionally, fruit and vegetables sales accounted for roughly 80% of total sales throughout the two-year project period which far exceeded our goal of 50%. Objective 3.: Engage in evaluation activities designed to assess the impact of the program on "increasing the purchase of fruits and vegetables in participating households" and "improving the nutrition and health status in participating households." Accomplishments: Program impact was evaluated via client surveys. Baseline data was collected in April of 2016 along with subsequent surveys that were administered in October of 2016 (100 program participants) and in April of 2017 (100 program participants). Building upon this work, an additional survey was conducted in December of 2017 with 122 participants in conjunction with Measurement Resources Inc., an outside evaluation consultant. Highlights included: 90% reported satisfied and/or very satisfied with availability/variety of fresh foods; 82% reported having much better access to healthy food choices; 78% reported eating healthier; 71% reported eating more complete meals; and 75% reported an improvement of their overall health.
Publications
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Progress 05/15/16 to 05/14/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the Buy $5 Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program at the South Side Roots Market are low-income, food insecure residents of Franklin County who are currently receiving SNAP benefits and shopping at the South Side Roots Market. Located within the Southern Gateway or South Side of Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio, the South Side Roots Market was selected as the pilot location for this initiative due to the disproportionately high percentage of the population who are experiencing poverty, food insecurity and/or chronic disease. Currently, 1 in 6 residents and 1 in 4 children in Franklin County are food insecure, meaning that they have insufficient access to nutritionally adequate or safe food. For the 6,900 residents of the Southern Gateway, the issue of food insecurity is even more significant. The average household income for residents on the South Side is $33,748, which is almost 40% percent lower than the average income for the City of Columbus. Moreover, 72% of community members have an income that is less than 200% of the poverty level, 40% utilize SNAP benefits to access food, and 42% are enrolled in Medicaid to meet their medical needs. Additionally, chronic disease is a significant concern for area residents. Rates of heart disease on the South Side are 55% higher than the Franklin County average, and 32% of preschool children are currently considered overweight or obese. Changes/Problems:At the end of year 1, Mid-Ohio Foodbank requested and received a no-cost extension, which lengthened our grant cycle by one year. As a pilot project, we originally projected that the program would reach 600 unique individuals and would expend approximately $70,000 in financial incentives. These figures assumed that each unique individual would return approximately ten times during the grant period. Although the program was able to reach the number of unique individuals projected, the return rate was lower than anticipated, resulting in an unspent balance of grant funds. During year 2, we intend to broaden our outreach efforts to reach new participants and work with our community partners to help existing program participants overcome barriers such as transportation, which currently preclude them from being able to consistently participate in the program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reporting period, Mid-Ohio Foodbank worked with an AmeriCorpVista member who assisted with data collection, outreach, and promotion of the Buy $5 Get $10 Program. As a result, our Vista member was able to learn and gain valuable skills in data analytics and program evaluation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the reporting period, information about the project has been disseminated in a number of ways including conducting two mass mailings to more than 8,000 low-income households in Franklin County, running three billboards within the direct service area of the South Side Roots Market, conducting three door-to-door canvassing events, and distribution of flyers in conjunction with local farmers' markets. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In year two, we intend to further increase awareness of the Buy $5, Get $10 program by engaging in targeted outreach activities. During year one, we found billboards to be the most effective strategy for increasing program participation. As a result, we are planning to run at least two more months of billboard during year two. Additionally, we plan to partner with Franklin County Jobs & Family Services to increase outreach and awareness among individuals who are already enrolled in SNAP.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the reporting period, 620 low-income customers of the South Side Roots Market, who were participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, participated in the Buy $5 Get $10 SNAP Incentive Program. Additionally, the following progress was progress was made towards our grant-funded objectives: Objective 1. Implement a financial incentive program for SNAP participants at the South Side Roots Market which encourages the purchase of culturally appropriate, locally sourced fruits and vegetables while remaining in compliance with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Accomplishments: Developed and implemented a Buy $5, Get $10 financial incentive program. SNAP participants who purchase $5 worth of eligible fruits and vegetables receive a $10 gift card at the point of sale that can be redeemed for eligible fruits and vegetables at a subsequent visit. We continue to assess the preferences and cultural needs of market customers to ensure that the selection available at the Market is appropriate for the community and clientele. Additionally, we continue to ensure that all elements of the program are in compliance with all SNAP regulations and requirements. Objective 2. Increase program participation among existing SNAP participants resulting in 85% of all SNAP transactions leading to program participation and a 50% increase in overall fruit and vegetable transactions at the South Side Roots Market. Accomplishments: During the reporting period, 1,258 SNAP sales occurred at the South Side Roots Market, of which 75% led to incentive program participation. This was slightly under our goal of 85%. However, it is important to note that the Market did experience a significant increase (82%) in fruit and vegetable sales during the reporting period, which far exceeded our goal of 50%. Objective 3. Engage in evaluation activities designed to assess the impact of the program on "increasing the purchase of fruits and vegetables in participating households" and "improving the nutrition and health status in participating households." Accomplishments: Program impact was evaluated via client survey. Baseline data was collected in April of 2016 along with subsequent surveys that were administered in October of 2016 (100 program participants) and in April of 2017 ( 100 program participants). The results indicated an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption among program participants increasing from an average of 2.0 to an average of 3.0 on a 5-point scale. The most notable increase was observed between the baseline data collection and the October 2016 survey. Afterward consumption remained consistent. Additionally, perception of food insecurity among survey participants decreased from 34% reporting that they always worried their food would run out before receiving money/assistance to 31%.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/06/08/mid-ohio-foodbank-gets-100-000-to-encourage-south.html
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