Am J Health Behav.™ 2015;39(4):529-539 529 T he rapidly increasing rates of overweight and obesity in the United States pose a sig- nifcant public health challenge. 1 In general, more than one-third of the US adult population (34.9%) is obese. 2 The statistics are even more dis- concerting among Blacks; more than half of Black women are obese compared to 37.1% of Black men and 32.8% of White women. 2 Research shows that as individuals weight increases, the risk for coro- nary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers (en- dometrial, breast, and colon), stroke, and hyper - tension (high blood pressure) also increases. 3 In fact, more than 80% of people with type 2 diabe- tes are overweight. 4 Furthermore, individuals who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, and LDL cholesterol, which are all risk factors for heart dis- ease and stroke. 5 While the aforementioned chron- ic condition impacts much of the US population, Blacks suffer disproportionately, especially Black women. Nearly 42% of Black men and more than 45% of Black women aged 20 and older have high blood pressure. Additionally, Blacks lead the na- tion in the proportion of those who die of heart diseases. 1 Past research has found that high quality diets, those rich in fruits and vegetables, have protective effects against cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity and certain types of cancer. 6-10 While rates of fruits and veg- etables are low among many ethnic groups in the US population, Blacks are less likely to consume the daily recommended serving of fruits and veg- etables. 11 However, studies have shown that when fruits and vegetables are available in Black com- munities, rates of consumption increase. 12 Helene Vilme, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M Univer- sity, Tallahassee, FL. Ivette A. López, Associate Professor, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahas- see, FL. Lurleen Walters, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University, Missis- sippi State, MS. Sandra Suther, Associate Professor, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. C. Perry Brown, Professor, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. Matthew Dutton, Assistant Professor, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. and Janet Barber, Associate Professor, Eco- nomic, Social and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Phar- macy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. Correspondence Dr López; ivette.lopez@famu.edu Perspectives of Stakeholders on Implementing a Farm-to-University Program at an HBCU Helene Vilme, DrPH; Ivette A. López, PhD; Lurleen Walters, PhD; Sandra Suther, PhD; C. Perry Brown, DrPH; Matthew Dutton, PhD; Janet Barber, PhD Objective: To explore the perspectives of various stakeholders on whether an HBCU has the resources to establish a farm-to-university program that can im- prove fruits and vegetables intake among African American students. Additionally, this study assessed students’ satisfac- tion with fruits and vegetables served in University dining halls, and their desire for changes in policies to increase local fruits and vegetables access on campus. Methods: This study employed a mixed method data collection strategy. Semi- structured interviews were used to ex- plore the stakeholders’ perspectives and self-administered questionnaires were used to assess students’ satisfaction with fruits and vegetables and desire for pol- icy changes. Results: Barriers reported by both food service administrators and farmers were cost and variation in sup- ply and demand. Students expressed lack of satisfaction with fresh produce served in campus dining halls and a desire for change in policies to increase local fruits and vegetables access on campus. Con- clusion: While there is student desire for improved access to fresh produce on campus, there are perceived barriers to overcome. University partnerships are needed to address the desired nutritional improvements. Key words: obesity; food satisfaction; fresh fruits and vegetables; policy; local farmers; African-American college stu- dents Am J Health Behav. 2015;39(4):529-539 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.39.4.9