Community / Project Resources

Mount Rogers Hillsville Farmers’ Market Feasibility Study

By Mount Rogers Health District

In an effort to increase access and promote the consumption of healthier foods Mount Rogers Health District commissioned the Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development (OED) to conduct this feasibility study for a proposed farmers’ market in Downtown Hillsville during the CPHMC project.

The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD), in Southwest Virginia, is one of 17 local WIC agencies across the nation to be a part of the Community Partnerships for Healthy Mothers and Children (CPHMC) project. MRHD used a multi-sector approach to address nutrition disparities in rural communities through the Health Access and Nutrition Development Services (H.A.N.D.S.) task force, a subgroup to the Twin County Prevention Coalition in Galax, VA. The H.A.N.D.S. task force consists of a diverse group of collaborators with various backgrounds and expertise. In building capacity, MRHD sought to establish a group of key stakeholders that would stand as a representation of the community at large and resources available. During the 15-month project period, the group used a hands-on approach to effectively identify the needs of the community, assess and strengthen existing resources, initiate agency partnerships/collaborations, and implement a comprehensive plan that addressed nutrition disparities and resource gaps in areas of need. H.A.N.D.S. multifaceted approach seeks to implement system and environmental changes that increase availability and awareness of healthy food options while creating an atmosphere that promotes positive lifestyle choices.

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Date Added
December 11, 2017

Citation
Mount Rogers Health District (2016) Hillsville Farmers' Market Feasibility Study. Available online: https://thewichub.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/12/MRHD-Farmers-Market-Feasibility-Study-FINAL.pdf