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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Food Security Status Across the Rural-Urban Continuum Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines food insecurity across the rural-urban continuum and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access in various locations. Utilizes 2015-2019 and 2020-2021 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement (CPS FSS) data to analyze food security according to urban, large rural city/town, small rural town, or isolated rural town/area.
Author(s): Patrick J. Brady, Melissa N. Laska, Rachel Widome, Sruthi Valluri
Date: 01/2025
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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Community-Engaged Approach to Improve Food Access and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Appalachian Community
Examines a community advisory board (CAB) in Kentucky consisting of community-academic relationships focused on addressing food security. Discusses the process of forming the CAB, their engagement and contributions, and potential food access solutions that could be implemented in rural Appalachia.
Author(s): Courtney T. Luecking, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Dawn Brewer, Kathryn M. Cardarelli
Citation: Nutrients, 17(3), 431
Date: 01/2025
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Key Findings from a 2024 Survey of Native American Caregivers: Experiences with Food Access and the Summer Meals Program
Examines food insecurity for families in tribal areas and the use of federal food programs. Analyzes data from the Family Spirit FOOD (Finding Opportunities and Options for Distribution of Nourishing Food for Tribal Communities) Survey to analyze use of congregate and rural non-congregate Summer Meals Programs.
Author(s): S. Vanegas, A. Harris, N. Neault, K. Nelson, A. Barlow
Date: 01/2025
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Indigenous Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, No Kid Hungry
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Food Access Interventions in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: A Scoping Review
Examines food access in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and provides a scoping review that analyzes social ecological model (SEM) levels and their related food access interventions. Includes discussion on AI/AN food access issues in rural tribal locations.
Author(s): Danya Carroll, Lynn Mad Plume, Nicole Redvers
Citation: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 14(1), 11-28
Date: 01/2025
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A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Social Isolation in the Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Depressive Symptoms, and Resource Use Among Midwestern Rural Veterans in the U.S.
Presents a study focusing on the role social isolation plays in short an long-term food insecurity among rural veterans living in the Midwest. Explores rates of resource use and depressive symptoms associated with social isolation. Breaks down data by race, age, and employment status, among other measures.
Author(s): Mwiza A. Uwashimimana, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Douglas A. Sneddon, et al.
Citation: Nutrients, 17(2), 318
Date: 01/2025
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Number of Census Tracts Classified Low Income and Low Access to Foodstores Increased in U.S. Urban and Rural Areas from 2015 to 2019
Bar chart comparing number of rural and urban census tracts classified as either or both low-income and low foodstore access between 2015 and 2019. Discusses reasons for the changes over time.
Author(s): Alana Rhone, Clio Polanco Cercado
Date: 01/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Cancer-Related Health Behaviors During the COVID 19 Pandemic in Geographically Diverse Samples Across the US
Examines cancer-related health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic via a June 2020-March 2021 survey of 21,911 people conducted through eight cancer centers. Includes demographic data, including rural-urban comparisons, on changes in physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
Author(s): Breanna B. Greteman, Allison Cole, Mary E. Charlton, et al.
Citation: BMC Cancer, 25, 50
Date: 01/2025
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Household Food Sourcing Patterns and their Associations with Food Insecurity in Appalachian Ohio
Examines food insecurity and patterns in rural, Appalachian Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzes data from 663 households at 4 separate time periods between July 2020 and April 2021 according to household demographics, food sourcing locations, and more.
Author(s): Kyle R. Busse, Kathryn I. Poppe, Qiang Wu, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 125(1), 54-68.e4
Date: 01/2025
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2025 North Carolina Rural Health Snapshot
Presents data on rural North Carolina demographics, health information, and healthcare infrastructure. Offers statistics on issues including food access, income, healthcare coverage, maternal health, behavioral health, housing, internet access, and more. Features a county-level map with shadings showing rural and urban or suburban counties.
Date: 2025
Sponsoring organizations: Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, North Carolina Rural Health Association
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Summer EBT in Indian Country: A Report on Tribal Success, Barriers, and Best Practices
Examines the implementation of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program in the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations that are located in Oklahoma. Discusses the program's impact on food insecurity in Tribal communities and how to improve participation in the future.
Date: 2025
Sponsoring organizations: Food Research & Action Center, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
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