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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Dec 18, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Census Bureau seeking comments on a proposed information collection titled "2025 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) Pilot Test." FoodAPS is intended to fill a data gap and support research that informs policymaking on health and obesity, hunger, and nutrition assistance policy. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 6, 2024 - Features a program led by the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center (OBRC) which works to expand access to breastfeeding education in rural communities. Notes the health benefits of breastfeeding and lower rates of breastfeeding initiation in some rural areas. Describes how OBRC offers training to rural providers on evidence-based best practices and helps hospitals achieve Baby-Friendly designation.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Dec 3, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) proposing updates the methodology for calculating the cost adjustment in the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) for Hawaii. The proposed change to determine the cost adjustment would incorporate food prices from throughout the State of Hawaii rather than from Honolulu alone, ensuring that SNAP benefit allotments better reflect food prices faced by participants throughout the State of Hawaii. Comments are due by February 3, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 3, 2024 - Highlights a program in a remote Alaskan village high school giving students experience with growing fresh food and food sovereignty for the community. Discusses program funding, challenges with access to vegetables in remote Alaska, and the importance of fresh vegetables for healthy living.
Source: Alaska Public Media, PBS, NPR
Nov 26, 2024 - Highlights a Virginia collaborative program aiming to improve health outcomes by "prescribing" produce to people with certain chronic health conditions. Notes that many similar programs are located in urban areas, but this program includes rural residents. Discusses the program's funding allowing for sustainability as well as evaluating success.
Source: Cardinal News
Nov 25, 2024 - Provides an overview of recent research on food insecurity in Oregon. Notes disproportionately high rates among renters, people without a high school diploma, rural residents, and minority communities. Discusses possible factors contributing to higher rates of food insecurity in rural communities including lack of easy access to state and federal benefit programs.
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle
Nov 15, 2024 - Announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding new food assistance approved for nine Virginia counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Notes that residents of nine Virginia counties, including rural areas, may now be eligible for food assistance through USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Includes additional information on eligibility and how to apply for assistance.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nov 1, 2024 - Announces newly awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Planning Grant Program to improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities across the country. Describes projects in numerous states which will support the development or expansion of healthy food retail or food retail supply chain projects.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) making access and parity improvements in USDA's food distribution programs to support access for eligible populations and streamline requirements for program operators. Among other things, changes are aimed at increasing access to food distribution programs so eligible individuals can more easily receive the nutrition resources they need, increasing parity between FDPIR and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), modernizing program operations by updating some outdated terminology and processes, and incorporating lessons learned from implementing these critical programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This rule is effective December 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 28, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeking comments on a proposed information collection related to the implementation and effectiveness of modernization projects across all 88 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) State agencies to help identify successes, opportunities for improvement, and areas for additional support from FNS to strengthen project implementation. Comments are due by December 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register