Farmers’ Market Evaluation (Capstone Project)

Bridging academic learning with community partnership, a team of UNC Master of Public Health students — including Belle Duguid, Paddy Qiu, Madison Robertson, and Gaby Sandor — collaborated with the Carrboro Farmers’ Market (CFM) on a year-long Capstone project. Building on CFM’s longstanding partnership with UNC, the student team was tasked with developing evidence-based recommendations to guide the Market’s future growth.

Working closely with vendors, customers, and market leadership, the team conducted a literature review, qualitative interviews and focus groups, and quantitative customer surveys to identify challenges and opportunities across the local food system. Findings were synthesized into multiple deliverables, including an infographic, final presentation, and comprehensive report, which together provided data-driven recommendations for market operations, equity of access, and long-term sustainability.

This project not only strengthened the relationship between UNC and CFM — rooted in collaborations dating back to the Market’s founding in the 1970s — but also demonstrated how applied public health research can inform food systems planning. By combining community perspectives with evidence-based best practices, the Capstone bridged academic training with actionable strategies for a healthier, more equitable regional food system.