Rural Health
News by Topic: Food security and nutrition
Apr 16, 2026 - A study from Pennsylvania State University examines how the loss of everyday locations such as grocery stores, pharmacies, primary care clinics, schools, and churches may affect health. The authors focus on a rural township in Pennsylvania and argue that such places act as health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Source: Population Reference Bureau
Apr 15, 2026 - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan announced a new grant to strengthen food sovereignty and safety in tribal communities across the state over the next 4 years. The project will improve communities' access to nourishing, locally-grown foods and support community-driven food safety training and infrastructure projects.
Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Apr 14, 2026 - Though Vermont placed third in the 2025 America's Health Rankings, this is based on averages bolstered by a few counties that are not representative of the state's geography or its working-age population. Discusses significant gaps between various health metrics in urban and rural areas of Vermont.
Source: Compass Vermont
FNS: Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines
Federal Register
Apr 9, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announcing the adjusted income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals and free milk through the National School Lunch Program (and Commodity School Program), School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children Program. These guidelines are applicable from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 8, 2026 - Highlights the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit in Michigan, an event exploring the role of traditional food practices in fostering social connection and maintaining health for tribal communities.
Source: WKAR
Apr 7, 2026 - Announces Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) funding for nutrition service expansion into primary care settings and for rural residency programs for high-need specialties to address rural workforce shortages.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 30, 2026 - Describes the problems older adults in rural Ohio face in accessing food pantry programs they are eligible for due to transportation and mobility challenges. Notes proposed legislation that would assist food pantries with expanding food delivery services into more rural parts of their service area.
Source: The Ohio Newsroom
Mar 27, 2026 - Discusses food insecurity in South Dakota and efforts by some South Dakota-born members of the Pittsburgh Steelers to raise awareness and money for a local nonprofit. Discusses the particular challenges for a rural and native communities.
Source: KOTA
Mar 4, 2026 - Discusses a grant program for rural Nebraska grocery store owners that offers both financial support and business management training. The grant program has expanded after a successful pilot. Describes the economic challenges for rural Nebraska grocery stores and the impact on area residents when one closes.
Source: Nebraska Public Media, PBS, NPR
Mar 2, 2026 - Highlights the role a rural Colorado food pantry plays in fostering social connection. Notes sustainability challenges for grant operated organizations.
Source: KUNC