The Use of Financial Incentives to Increase Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Purchases in Lower-Income Households: Results of a Pilot Study

Identifying effective strategies to promote healthier eating in underserved populations is a public health priority. In this pilot study, we examined the use of financial incentives to increase fresh fruit and vegetable purchases in low-income households (N=29). Participants received pre-paid coupons to buy fresh produce at the study store during the intervention period. Purchases were compared among the three study phases (baseline, intervention, and follow-up). A financial incentive provided by study coupons increased the average weekly purchase of fresh fruit but was less successful with fresh vegetables. These findings underscore the need for specific targeting of vegetable selection and preparation to exploit this strategy more fully.