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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Food security and nutrition

A Portrait of Louisiana 2020: Human Development in an Age of Uncertainty
Assesses well-being and access to opportunities among Louisiana residents by examining health disparities, access to healthy food, social determinants of health, racial inequality, and other topics. Provides human development index (HDI) scores for Louisiana state by gender, race, ethnicity, and parish.
Author(s): Kristen Lewis
Date: 2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Measure of America
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Development of a National Childhood Obesogenic Environment Index in the United States: Differences by Region and Rurality
Details the formation of a childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI), which was used to identify rural, urban, and other geographic differences in environmental factors associated with obesity. Variables used to calculate COEI scores include availability of fast-food restaurants, farmers markets, grocery stores, and other related facilities; access to exercise opportunities; violent crime; walkability; and more. Includes county-level data on COEI scores across the U.S.
Author(s): Andrew Kaczynski, Jan Eberth, Ellen Stowe, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(83)
Date: 2020
Type: Document
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Innovations in the Food System: Exploring the Future of Food
Summarizes presentations and discussions from an August 7-8, 2019 workshop held in Washington, D.C. Reviews the status of current and emerging knowledge concerning innovations for modern food systems and strategies for meeting future needs. Addresses different perspectives on food systems and includes a presentation on food system linkages to rural economic development.
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Food and Nutrition Board
Date: 2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Rural America
Article examining the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on rural communities, addressing rural-specific needs, challenges, and considerations related to program implementation. Describes rural health disparities and food access issues in rural areas, and the potential effects of changes to SNAP on rural participants.
Author(s): Lisa Harnack, Sruthi Valluri, Simone A. French
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 109(12), 1641-1645
Date: 12/2019
Type: Document
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Availability of Grocery Delivery to Food Deserts in States Participating in the Online Purchase Pilot
Research letter describing a study of the Online Purchase Pilot (OPP), which allows beneficiaries in 8 states to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to buy groceries online. Includes statistics on the availability of grocery delivery among rural food desert census tracts and SNAP households in the 8 OPP states.
Author(s): Eric J. Brandt, David M. Silvestri, Jerold R. Mandi, Margaret L. Holland, Joseph S. Ross
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 2(12)
Date: 12/2019
Type: Document
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Nutrition Assistance Programs: Agencies Could Do More to Help Address the Nutritional Needs of Older Adults
Report focuses on the shortcomings of the federal nutrition guidelines in meeting the nutritional needs of older adults. Bases recommendations on interviews with older adults in both rural and urban areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 11/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Reservation and Off-Reservation Kindergarten Students in Nevada
Presents an overview of Veggies for Kids, a nutrition education program used with American Indian kindergarten students attending schools on reservations and kindergarten students attending schools next to a Nevada reservation. Examines the impact this program had on the students' knowledge of nutritional concepts and practicing healthy behaviors.
Author(s): Staci Emm, Jessica Harris, Judy Halterman, Sarah Chvilicek, Carol Bishop
Citation: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 9(Suppl. 2), 215-224
Date: 11/2019
Type: Document
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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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