Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI)

This Nutrition Policy Institute research brief examines how participants in the California Nutrition Incentive Program—CNIP—make purchasing decisions and manage food waste when buying fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. Using produce purchase inventories, surveys, and interviews with 36 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—SNAP—shoppers, the study found that CNIP supports access to greater amounts and varieties of fruits and vegetables and no association with increased food waste. Participants were highly conscious of minimizing waste despite purchasing a wider variety of items. Findings highlight strong participant support for CNIP and its role in improving access to high quality, fresh, healthy and affordable produce.