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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Evaluation of the USDA Summer EBT Demonstrations: Lessons Learned From More Than a Decade of Research
Reports results of the Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) demonstration project, 2015-2018 and 2019-2022. Describes Summer EBT use patterns, nutritional value, and effect on childhood food insecurity. Identifies strategies for better program planning, implementation, and administration. Discusses program operation and challenges in Indian tribal organizations and rural communities.
Additional links: 2015-2018 Evaluation, 2019-2022 Evaluation, Summary
Author(s): René Nutter, Ayesha Enver, Maria Boyle, et al.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
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Urban–Rural Differences in School Districts' Local Wellness Policies and Policy Implementation Environments
Compares urban and rural local wellness policies (LWPs) and implementation environments of 117 Texas school districts. Provides data on LWP goals, including nutrition and physical activity goals, as well as availability of district wellness plans, LWP assessments, and school health advisory councils. Highlights implications for rural school policy and student health.
Author(s): Swati Iyer, Timothy J. Walker, Alexandra L. MacMillan Uribe, et al.
Citation: Nutrients, 16(6), 801
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
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2024-2026 Tennessee State Health Plan
Presents a plan for health improvement in Tennessee for the period 2024-2026. Describes the state of health in Tennessee, identifies priorities, and makes recommendations related to early life, care delivery, social determinants of health, and more. Highlights goals for nutrition, maternal and infant health, older adults and healthy aging, chronic conditions, cancer screening, transportation, and health workforce.
Additional links: State Health Plan Priority Areas
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Tennessee Department of Health
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Nutritional Guidance on Fitness Centers' Websites in Illinois: An Automated Content Analysis
Examines the nutritional content on fitness websites in Illinois as well as metro versus nonmetro statistics related to body mass index (BMI), diet, physical activity, and more.
Author(s): Adee Athiyaman
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
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Poverty and Food Insecurity in New Hampshire During and Following the COVID-19 Crisis
Describes poverty and food insecurity in New Hampshire using population-level data and historical comparisons. Explores the geographic prevalence of poverty and food insecurity within the state and between states, and compares poverty and food insecurity rates in rural and urban areas of New Hampshire.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute
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Rural Non-Congregate Summer Meals in 2023: Insights from the First Year of a New Program
Discusses the implementation of the non-congregate meal program in its first year. Utilizes recorded conversations and surveys to discuss the successes and challenges of summer non-congregate meal programs in rural areas. Includes data on meal types, distribution models, definitions of rural used among program grantees, food insecurity of children and families, and more.
Author(s): A. Panzera, M. Kirk-Epstein, P. Pokorney, et al.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: No Kid Hungry
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Interim Final Rule on Non-Congregate Summer Meals: Top Takeaways for Operators
Provides information on the interim final rule (IFR) regarding non-congregate summer meals, established in December 2023 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Discusses IFR highlights for food program operators, such as rural definitions, congregate service access, meal service options, approved sites, and more.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: No Kid Hungry
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Shaping Change at USDA: Final Report: Recommendations Made to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Advance Equity for All
Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Equity Commission to the USDA with 66 recommendations for improving equity in the department. Recommendations cover issues such as nutrition assistance, farmers and farmworkers, rural housing, rural economies, and rural development among other topics.
Author(s): Ertharin Cousin, Arturo S. Rodríguez
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Equity Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Selected Charts from Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, 2024
Report highlights the various measures of the rural and agricultural economy. Includes rates of rural versus urban poverty and unemployment, population change in metro and nonmetro areas, and rates of food security in principal cities, suburban, and rural areas.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development 2023 Annual Report
Highlights the accomplishments of the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development in 2023. Covers issues such as economic development, food systems and security, and capacity building.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
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