“The Market” is an initiative that aims to increase and diversify the consumption of seasonal and fresh food products locally sourced. The price of fresh products can be an obstacle for socially disadvantaged populations.
Every week, two baskets of fresh foods are presented online, with basic products for a healthy diet, at affordable prices, accompanied by suggestions for cooking the food. Baskets are publicised on social media, ordered online and picked up at strategic points during after-work hours.
The project results from a partnership between the Cooperative of Local Agricultural Producers (responsible for all the sales logistics) and the Municipality (ensures the dissemination and monitoring of the project and the production of the culinary suggestions).
The project started in November 2020 and since February 2023, the Municipality has co-finances the price of the basket.
Adherence, preferences and behaviour change are evaluated through a survey at 6-monthly intervals. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary intake, physical activity, shopping and environmental protection data are collected. Survey by Public Health Institute of the University of Porto.
Cooperative of Local Agricultural Producers
– Local Agricultural Producers;
– Population residing or working in the municipality.
SDG 2
“THE MARKET” promotes the regular consumption of vegetables and fruits by providing baskets of fresh, quality vegetables and fruits at attractive prices, thus contributing to the fight against hunger and malnutrition, encouraging healthier eating habits in the community.
By encouraging the regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, the project contributes to improving the population's health, reducing dependence on processed and industrialized foods. In this way, the incidence of diseases related to poor diet is reduced.
By establishing a partnership with a local farmers' cooperative, the project is supporting the local economy and contributing to the region's economic sustainability, empowering local producers and avoiding food imports.
SDG 12
By encouraging the consumption of seasonal foods, the project prioritizes nutritional diversity and environmental sustainability. Seasonal foods have a lower environmental impact, as they require fewer resources to grow and transport. In addition, they are generally more affordable, which makes healthy eating more viable for the community.
“The Market” also plays a role in the distribution of products from small producers, ensuring that their efforts and dedication in agricultural production are fairly rewarded.
After two years of implementation the consumption of vegetables increased in 39% of respondents and food diversification in 46% of respondents.
1,699 people ordered the basket at least once. On average, 600 baskets/month were sold during 2022.
The co-financing of the basket increased the number of clients by 17% in the first half of 2023, which corresponds to a 183% increase in baskets sold, compared to the first half of 2022.
The data also suggests a change in the sociodemographic profile of clients covering households with lower levels of education.
From the second year of the project onwards, dissemination by recommendation was the most referred.
As a municipal health policy that aims to increase and improve equity in access to healthy and sustainable food, the “The Market” project has proven to be an undertaking with very positive results and potential for replication.
http://saude.cm-valongo.pt/cabaz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DqWT1iA5P4&t=1s
https://www.facebook.com/MelhorSaudeMaisCidadania
https://www.facebook.com/cooperativavalongo
