A mixed-methods evaluation of a health-promoting café located in a small health service in rural Victoria, Australia

Jillian Whelan, Penelope Love, John Aitken, Lynne Millar, Catherine Morley, Ngareta Melgren, Steven Allender, Colin Bell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Residents of rural areas internationally typically experience chronic disease risk profiles worse than city dwellers. Poor diet, a key driver of chronic disease, has been associated with unhealthy food environments, and rural areas often experience limited access to healthy, fresh and affordable food. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the first three years of a health promoting social enterprise café established in a small rural health service. Design: A mixed-methods evaluation study. Quantitative sales data, surveys and key informant interviews that included both quantitative and qualitative responses. Findings: Three years of sales data were included; 111customer surveys and five key informant interviews were conducted. Food and beverages on displayed and sold consistently met or exceeded the healthy criteria set by policy. Stakeholders supported the traffic light system, the social enterprise model and rated the likelihood of sustainability of the café as high. Discussion: Customers used the ‘traffic light’ system to inform food choices, placed value on the warmth of the staff and on the welcoming environment created through the social enterprise model. Resources remain tight although all stakeholders are committed to the sustainability of the YarriYak café. Conclusion: The study shows the acceptability, feasibility and sustainability of a health promoting social enterprise café in a rural area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-69
Number of pages9
JournalAustralian Journal of Rural Health
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023
Externally publishedYes

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