​Study authors used a mixed-methods approach and conducted three focus groups and in-depth interviews and surveys with residents of a rural yet agricultural community. They used thematic analysis to explore residents perceptions of access to healthy foods. Residents reported that dollar and discount stores in this agricultural area provided access to produce; however, produce at retail stores was less affordable than produce at non-retail outlets such as fruit and vegetable stands. Gifts and trades of fruits and vegetables from neighbors and community organizations supplied no-cost or low-cost healthy foods. Residents' suggestions to improve food access centered on lowering the cost of produce in existing retail outlets and seeking out non-retail outlets.
 
Although the authors' survey was based on a small convenience sample, findings on access to fruits and vegetables were consistent with those of the larger 2014 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

• Zulema Valdez
• et al