The Hidden Benefits of Short Food Supply Chains: Farmers’ Markets Density and Body Mass Index in Italy

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.