Date of Graduation

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Agricultural and Resource Economics

Committee Chair

Cheryl Brown

Committee Co-Chair

Alan Collins

Committee Member

Bradley Wilson

Abstract

Food insecurity is a problem in West Virginia. Individuals who are food insecure rely on assistance from private organizations, such as food pantries and soup kitchens. Individuals may also rely on government assistance, with programs like SNAP and WIC, as a means to cope with food insecurity. Farmers markets have been trying to become more accessible to low-income individuals and increase community food security through the acceptance of SNAP, WIC, and SMFNP vouchers. This study uses key informant interviews to understand to what extent and in what ways farmers markets are interacting with emergency food systems to improve community food security through other avenues, such as gleaning programs. Results show that well-established markets are better able to connect with the emergency food system through gleaning programs, however, there are few "well-established" markets in West Virginia. More research and outreach through grassroots and non-profit organizations will help to improve and create more successful well-established markets in West Virginia that are able to work with the emergency food system to improve community food security.

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