The Relationship Between Patronizing Direct-to-Consumer Outlets and a Household’s Demand for Fruits and Vegetables

This study uses FoodAPS data to investigate whether patronizing farmers markets, roadside stands, and other direct-to-consumer (DTC) outlets increases a household’s spending for fruits and vegetables, including purchases at both DTC and nondirect food retailers. Among 4,826 FoodAPS households that reported their food acquisitions over a 1-week period, 231 bought food from a farmers market or other DTC outlet. Fruits and vegetables were the most frequently purchased type of food at such places. Among the 231 households that bought food at a DTC outlet, 170 bought fruits and vegetables.