Implementation of a Farmers Market Incentive Program in Maryland: Perspectives from Vendors
This study employed a qualitative approach, interviewing vendors (n=19) selling at four farmers markets in Maryland to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementing the Maryland Market Money program. Overall, vendors reported positive attitudes toward the incentive program. Interviewed vendors identified key facilitators such as ease of implementation and positive social and economic impact of the program for participants and themselves. Vendors also discussed barriers, which included a lack of understanding among customers about how the program operated, poor program promotion, and lack of educational materials. Some vendors described negative experiences with customers and expressed stigmatizing views toward customers. Given that vendors are key stakeholders in program implementation, as incentive programs continue to expand, it is important to take into account their views and concerns to create successful programs.
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