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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Gardening for Health: Using Garden Coordinators and Volunteers to Implement Rural School and Community Gardens
Describes a school and community garden intervention initially established by South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension staff members with the support and collaboration of volunteers from schools and community organizations in rural areas and tribal organizations. Highlights how 13 community gardens in South Dakota became an integral part of a local community wellness coalition by improving local access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Includes a 5-minute video about the SDSU community garden program in rural areas and on reservations in South Dakota.
Author(s): Suzanne Stluka, Lacey A. McCormack, Linda Burdette, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 16
Date: 11/2019
Type: Document
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FY 2016 Report to Congress on Outcome Evaluations of Administration for Native Americans Projects
An evaluation of the activities and outcomes of Administration for Native Americans (ANA) funding in native communities in accordance with the Native American Programs Act (NAPA), and the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. Describes and measures the impact of the funding, the effectiveness of the planned goals, the methods used for economic and social development including sustainability efforts. Highlights projects related to community health, healthy living, behavioral health, environmental health, and food and nutrition. Includes data on Native American community-driven projects useful to leaders, planners, service providers, and tribal government agencies.
Date: 11/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native Americans
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Promising Practice: Sowing the Seeds of Healthy Eating in Rural Indiana
Illustrates how a training and education program for rural residents living in 7 rural communities within the New Allen Alliance (NAA), a partnership of communities in eastern Allen County, Indiana, encourages healthy cooking, access to healthy foods, and improved health.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Date: 11/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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Characterizing the Local Food Environment and Grocery Store Decision-Making among a Large American Indian Community in the North-Central United States: Qualitative Results from the Healthy Foods Healthy Families Feasibility Study
Highlights a study on the perceived barriers to the access of healthy food for rural American Indian communities. Bases conclusions on focus group interviews and discusses potential interventions.
Author(s): Meagan C. Brown, Umit Shrestha, Corrine Huber, et al.
Citation: Public Health Nutrition, 22(14), 2653-2661
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
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Changes in Diet and Physical Activity Resulting from the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Randomized Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Multilevel Intervention Trial
Examines the secondary outcomes resulting from participation in Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC), a cardiovascular disease risk reduction intervention designed for women in rural communities, to determine changes in diet and physical activity. SHHC was a six month, community-randomized trial conducted in 16 rural communities in Montana and New York.
Author(s): Sara C. Folta, Lynn Paul, Miriam E. Nelson, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1), 91
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
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Disrupting Food Insecurity: Steps Communities Can Take
Offers possible solutions to challenges that affect families' ability to afford a healthy diet. Explores strategies developed specifically to meet needs of overlooked rural communities, including help with housing and transportation.
Additional links: Interactive Data Dashboard
Author(s): Caroline Ratcliffe, Elaine Waxman, Cary Lou, Hannah Hassani, Victoria Tran
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Urban Institute
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Food and Beverage Options at Highway Rest Areas in North Carolina: A Mixed-Methods Audit and Geospatial Approach
Results of a 2018 study to determine the accessibility and healthfulness of food and beverages available at 24 rural and 6 urban North Carolina rest areas. Features statistics on characteristics of the rest areas, including distance from limited-service restaurants or convenience stores.
Author(s): Jared T. McGuirt, Grace Huebner, Rachel Ward, Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 16
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
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SIPsmartER Delivered Through Rural, Local Health Districts: Adoption and Implementation Outcomes
Highlights the success and challenges of local public health units implementing the SIPsmartER program, a 6-month evidence- and community-based behavioral intervention shown to effectively decrease adult consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, in rural Appalachian Virginia.
Author(s): Kathleen Porter, Donna Jean Brock, Paul Estabrooks, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1273
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
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Maternal and Child Health Assessment for American Indians and Alaska Natives Using a Women, Infants, and Children Program in Utah
Reports on the health indicators of pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children within American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities from 2014-2018. Data presented is derived from the Utah Department of Health's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Offers recommendations from professional healthcare organizations to improve the health of AI/AN pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children.
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., Tribal Epidemiology Center, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
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Collaborating for Prosperity With American Indians and Alaska Natives: Rural Development Programs for Tribes, Tribal Families, Children, and Communities
Highlights the major USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and initiatives that support American Indians and Alaska Natives. Covers topics such as food security, housing, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and infrastructure. Features success stories of how these programs have been used in tribal communities. Also includes contact information for the RD office in each state.
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Rural Development
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