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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Jan 13, 2025 - Announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service of the annual adjustments to reimbursement rates for the Summer Food Service Program. The rates are effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 27, 2024 - Presents an overview of an initiative working to increase food sovereignty and security through support for small-scale agriculture in remote Alaska Native villages. Describes services including educational outreach, farm tours, and resource referrals. Notes that the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Source: Morning Ag Clips
Dec 23, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) making corrections to the October 31, 2024, final rule. This notice is effective December 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 23, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeking comments on a request for information to inform the development of the Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects, as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. Section 758 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, provided $2 million for pilot projects that will permit Tribes and/or Tribal organizations to administer Child Nutrition Programs, assuming the roles and responsibilities typically held by State agencies. Comments are due by March 24, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
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