Abstracts Winter 2016

Winter 2016, Vol. 20, No. 3 
ISSN 1540 5273

Farmers Markets:  Barriers and Pathways for Limited-Resource Consumers

Christopher Sneed, The University of Tennessee

Abstract

While the growth of farmers markets is heralded as exciting news among local food enthusiasts, the unfortunate reality is that the increase in the number of farmers markets has disproportionately served communities and individuals of higher socio-economic status (Jones and Bhatia 2011). This paper seeks to shed light on the inequalities surrounding farmers markets. However, more than simply pointing out these inequalities, this paper seeks to outline strategies by which farmers markets can move toward a more inclusive customer base. This paper begins with an overview chronicling the rise of farmers markets in the United States. Federally funded programs designed to increase access to farmers markets by limited-resource families are described. Following this, barriers inhibiting limited-resource individuals from engaging with farmers markets are considered. Programs that have been implemented to foster increased use of farmers markets by limited-resource families are presented.  The paper concludes with recommendations for future research.   Full Text


Post-Recession Employment, Income, and Retirement Savings: Implications for Women’s Retirement Planning

Claudia J. Heath, University of Kentucky, Martie Gillen, University of Florida

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to use existing, recently available statistics that highlight labor force activity, wages, and income, including the current state of retirement income, to discuss implications of these economic conditions for women’s retirement planning. Data provided here are useful for discussing future directions and strategies to assist women with retirement planning; as advocates within family economics and resource management; and when working with others in their roles of employers, financial planning professionals, and Extension professionals.. Full Text


Exploring Consumer Perspectives on Florida Farmers Market Purchases and Shopping Habits

Martie Gillen, University of Florida, Caroline Dunn, University of South Carolina

Abstract

According to data from the USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory, there are 8,489 certified farmers’ markets in the United States, an increase from 1,755 in 1994. Currently, 251 of these markets are registered in Florida. Consumer demand for organic and local foods is well known and documented. However, less is understood about consumer support for markets themselves and how this support impacts local food systems, and local economies. The purpose of this research is to describe and to better understand the Florida customers’ motivators and barriers to shopping at farmers markets, to describe their reported purchase patterns, and to provide suggestions for how farmers’ market organizers and growers can better meet the needs of current and potential customers. Full Text


Promoting Consumer Wellness through Financial Education

Jennifer L. Hunter, University of Kentucky, Martie Gillen, University of Florida, Kristyn Jackson, University of Kentucky, Alex Elswick, University of Kentucky

Abstract

The consequences of the Great Recession, and the extended period of slow economic growth that followed, encouraged individuals to become more aware of their financial situation (Brown 2009). Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to provide unbiased, research-based financial education to consumers. This paper specifically highlights the financial education efforts of two southern states’ Family and Consumer Science Extension programs, Kentucky and Florida. The emphasized educational lessons have two primary goals: (1) Individuals and families will demonstrate financial literacy and sound basic financial practices, and (2) Adults and families will prepare financial matters during periods of transition and/or major life events. Full Text


The Personal Health and Finance Quiz: A Tool for Education, Research, and Program Evaluation

Barbara O’Neill, Karen Ensle, Rutgers University

Abstract

Good health and financial security are important resources for a happy and successful life. This paper includes a brief discussion of relationships and similarities between health and personal finance behaviors and results from studies linking health and personal finance. It also describes the Cooperative Extension Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ program and its associated online self-assessment tool, the Personal Health and Finance Quiz, among the first public use surveys to simultaneously query users about their health and personal finance practices. Respondents indicate frequencies for performance of ten health and ten financial activities to receive a summated score indicating performance of positive behaviors. The quiz also collects data for research about Americans’ health and financial practices to inform future Extension outreach and can be used as a pre-/post-test to evaluate the impact of SSHW programs. Initial research findings indicate a moderate statistically significant, positive association of health and financial practices. Full Text


Thirteen Terrific Technology Tools for Financial Education

Barbara O’Neill, Rutgers University

Abstract

Constant improvements and innovations in information-sharing technology present an ongoing challenge to educators teaching personal finance or any other topic. Not only must they keep current with subject matter content (e.g., changes in tax laws) and new products, services, and resources, but they must also become familiar with new technology tools that can enhance their teaching effectiveness, outreach, and productivity. This article begins with a summary of financial education technology tools described as personal favorites by workshop participants. The remainder of the article discusses thirteen technology tools and their financial education applications: animated videos, YouTube Live video chats, online calculators, online curricula, online quizzes and games, online personal finance courses, SlideShare, Twitter chats and Storify, Periscope (live video streaming), Ignite (Lightening Round) PowerPoint presentations, documentary films on personal finance, Excel templates, and webinar platforms such as Adobe Connect, Eluminate Live, Zoom, and GotoMeeting.Full Text

 

 

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