Engaging a disadvantaged community with a fruit and vegetable box scheme

Christina Zorbas, Julia McCartan, Randini De Mel, Karthika Narendra, Eliza C. Tassone, Ebony Yin, Claire Palermo

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterOtherpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Issue addressed: Interventions which target the determinants of unhealthy diets are required to promote healthy eating and reduce the burdens of diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. Methods: Qualitative interviews (n = 12) were conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of local stakeholders regarding the implementation and uptake of a healthy eating initiative (a fruit and vegetable box scheme) in a disadvantaged, regional community. Results: Factors affecting the community's engagement included marketing strategies, customer experiences, a community-centred approach, partnerships and logistics. Conclusions: Community engagement is often essential for an intervention to be effective. The factors which influence community engagement should be considered during planning, especially when targeting disadvantaged groups. So what?: Behavioural change interventions may continue to be met with limited success if community engagement and the overarching structural barriers to healthy eating are not addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-110
Number of pages3
JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • nutrition
  • obesity
  • qualitative methods
  • social determinants
  • socially disadvantaged

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