The hidden benefits of short food supply chains: Farmers' markets density and body mass index in Italy

Francesco Bimbo, Alessandro Bonanno, Gianluca Nardone, Rosaria Viscecchia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

As more farmers adopt short distribution channels, consumers may benefit from them insofar as they increase access to healthier food options. This may lead to potential societal benefits via a reduction in obesity rates. The relationship between the presence of farmers' markets and adult Italians' Body Mass Index (BMI) was assessed by applying quantile regression on a cross-sectional, individual-level database, matched with regional farmers' markets density figures. Findings illustrate that for most adult Italians, a higher density of farmers' markets is associated with lower BMIs and that this relationship becomes more marked for individuals with higher BMIs facing limited supermarket access.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-16
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review
Volume18
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Business and International Management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The hidden benefits of short food supply chains: Farmers' markets density and body mass index in Italy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this