The UVM Food Systems Summit makes more room at the table

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Effects of Volunteering for Nonprofit Organizations on Social Capital Formation: Evidence from a Statewide Survey

As membership in traditional civic organizations declines in the United States (Putnam, 2000), could volunteering for nonprofit organizations be an alternative source of social capital formation? We use an updated household production framework (Becker, 1996) to theoretically connect volunteering with two forms of social capital: social connections and civic capacity. Using a unique statewide data set from Vermont, we then use the Cragg (1971) model to estimate the determinants of the probability of receiving a social capital benefit, and the level of such a benefit. We first show that the probability of receiving a social connection or a civic capacity benefit from one's most important nonprofit organization is increased: (a) if it is a religious or social service organization; (b) if one increases their volunteering for the organizations; and (c) if one is female, college educated or in a two-parent family. However, the relative magnitude of volunteering is similar, or relatively small, compared to the other significant determinants. We then show that an increase of volunteer hours does increase the levels of social connection and civic capacity, but the magnitude of this effect is also relatively small.household production, civic engagement, social capital, volunteering

The Effects of Volunteering for Non-profit Organizations on Social Capital Formation: Evidence from a Statewide Survey

We use the household production framework to theoretically connect sociability and purposive incentives for volunteering and two forms of social capital: social connections and civic capacity. Then, using a unique statewide data set, we estimate the determinants of (a) the probability of receiving social capital benefits and (b) the level of such benefits. We show that: religious and social service organizations have a large impact on social capital formation; the probability of being socially and civically engaged increases with volunteering; and two-adult families are more likely to feel socially and civically engaged. These results are consistent with recent aggregate evidence on the decline of social capital in the United States: social capital formation declines with less religious and altruistic orientation at the community level, and as families move away from a two-adult family structure. By contrast, through volunteering, one can increase the likelihood of being socially and civically engaged.household production, civic engagement, social capital

Place-Based Marketing Opportunities for Vermont

Vermont is widely recognized as a national leader in the place-based marketing of the state’s food products. This has been accomplished through the work of Vermont farmers and producers, and the support and programs of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and a variety of nonprofit organizations. Together, these groups have been able to take advantage of the connection made by many consumers between Vermont products and the idea of quality. This connection has often enabled Vermont products to command a price premium, both in markets within the state and in other areas of the country. Preliminary market research suggests that consumers in two northeastern U.S. markets may be interested in a Geographic Indicator label to identify Vermont products and that feelings of connectedness with Vermont and Vermont food products exists outside of the state. This paper addresses four objectives for place-based marketing in Vermont: The market definition, the market potential, product attributes and authentication, and the potential impact of place-based marketing on the Vermont brand

Segmentation of overweight Americans and opportunities for social marketing

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The food industry uses market segmentation to target products toward specific groups of consumers with similar attitudinal, demographic, or lifestyle characteristics. Our aims were to identify distinguishable segments within the US overweight population to be targeted with messages and media aimed at moving Americans toward more healthy weights.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cluster analysis was used to identify segments of consumers based on both food and lifestyle behaviors related to unhealthy weights. Drawing from Social Learning Theory, the Health Belief Model, and existing market segmentation literature, the study identified five distinct, recognizable market segments based on knowledge and behavioral and environmental factors. Implications for social marketing campaigns designed to move Americans toward more healthy weights were explored.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The five clusters identified were: <it>Highest Risk </it>(19%); <it>At Risk </it>(22%); <it>Right Behavior/Wrong Results </it>(33%); <it>Getting Best Results </it>(13%); and <it>Doing OK </it>(12%). Ninety-nine percent of those in the <it>Highest Risk </it>cluster were overweight; members watched the most television and exercised the least. Fifty-five percent of those in the <it>At Risk </it>cluster were overweight; members logged the most computer time and almost half rarely or never read food labels. Sixty-six percent of those in the <it>Right Behavior/Wrong Results </it>cluster were overweight; however, 95% of them were familiar with the food pyramid. Members reported eating a low percentage of fast food meals (8%) compared to other groups but a higher percentage of other restaurant meals (15%). Less than six percent of those in the <it>Getting Best Results </it>cluster were overweight; every member read food labels and 75% of members' meals were "made from scratch." Eighteen percent of those in the <it>Doing OK </it>cluster were overweight; members watched the least television and reported eating 78% of their meals "made from scratch."</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrated that five distinct market segments can be identified for social marketing efforts aimed at addressing the obesity epidemic. Through the identification of these five segments, social marketing campaigns can utilize selected channels and messages that communicate the most relevant and important information. The results of this study offer insight into how segmentation strategies and social marketing messages may improve public health.</p

Mandatory labels can improve attitudes toward genetically engineered food

The prospect of state and federal laws mandating labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has prompted vigorous debate about the consequences of the policy on consumer attitudes toward these technologies. There has been substantial debate over whether mandated labels might increase or decrease consumer aversion toward genetic engineering. This research aims to help resolve this issue using a data set containing more than 7800 observations that measures levels of opposition in a national control group compared to levels in Vermont, the only U.S. state to have implemented mandatory labeling of GE foods. Difference-in-difference estimates of opposition to GE food before and after mandatory labeling show that the labeling policy led to a 19% reduction in opposition to GE food. The findings help provide insights into the psychology of consumers’ risk perceptions that can be used in communicating the benefits and risks of genetic engineering technology to the public

Who Shops at the Market? Using Consumer Surveys to Grow Farmers\u27 Markets: Findings from a Regional Market in Northwestern Vermont

This article presents findings from a consumer survey conducted in 2006 and 2007 at two locations of a regional farmers\u27 market in northwestern Vermont. Consumer survey data is used to learn more about consumer preferences and solicit feedback for vendors. Data collected profiled consumers who attended the market, effective advertising techniques, planned spending, and interaction between markets. This information is valuable to markets seeking to understand their consumers and maximize efforts invested in advertising and community outreach. It provides guidance to Extension agencies seeking to develop networks of regional farmers\u27 markets, particularly with respect to managing competition among markets

How Can You Recognize Success? Individual Responses to Food System Policy Aimed at Children

Farm-to-school (FTS) programs and similar programs are gaining attention for many reasons, one of which is the recognition that they could help stem the increase in childhood overweight and obesity. Most programs that have been evaluated have increased students\u27 selection or intake of fruits and vegetables following the incorporation of FTS components. However, the wide range of activities that are typically part of FTS programs make it difficult to pinpoint which components have the greatest potential to improve students\u27 health behaviors. Within the field of nutrition education, theory-based interventions that target the key underlying factors influencing health behavior offer the most promise.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fss2014/1016/thumbnail.jp