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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Food security and nutrition

Obesity and Obesity-Related Behaviors Among Rural and Urban Adults in the USA
Analyzes the rural-urban differences in the prevalence of adult obesity, and the high risk obesity-related behaviors of physical inactivity and poor diet.
Author(s): Tushar Trivedi, Jihong Liu, Janice C Probst, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 15(4), 3267
Date: 10/2015
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The Availability of Competitive Foods and Beverages to Middle School Students in Appalachian Virginia Before Implementation of the 2014 Smart Snacks in School Standards
Examines nutritional quality of foods and beverages available in 8 rural Virginia middle schools. Includes statistics with breakdowns by number of foods and beverages offered, number that were compliant with USDA National School Lunch Program standards, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches, and percentages of components such as sugar, fat, and sodium in available foods.
Author(s): Georgianna Mann, Vivica Kraak, Elena Serrano
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 09/2015
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Rural Community Profiles: Stories about Improving Nutrition, Increasing Physical Activity, and Making Schools Healthier
Presents summaries of 3 rural community profiles related to physical activity, school wellness, and improving nutrition. Includes information and strategies to promote health.
Date: 08/2015
Sponsoring organization: ChangeLab Solutions
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Lessons on Climate Change and Poverty From the California Drought
Examines the impact of California's droughts on vulnerable populations, including low-income, agricultural communities and Native American populations. Discusses drought-related health conditions and the drought's impact on food security, especially for agricultural workers. Offers recommendations to address the uneven impact of climate change, including emergency money for small and rural communities affected by the drought.
Author(s): Wendy Ortiz
Date: 08/2015
Sponsoring organization: Center for American Progress
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Comparisons of Weight Change, Eating Habits and Physical Activity Between Women in Northern Sweden and Rural New York State - Results from a Longitudinal Study
Reports on a study that compares women living in Northern Sweden and rural New York State on changes in weight over a 10 year period. Identifies and compares the eating habits, physical activities, and vulnerability to the negative effects of unhealthy behaviors for both female population groups.
Author(s): Kristina Lindvall, Paul Jenkins, Melissa Scribani, et al.
Citation: Nutrition Journal, 14, 88
Date: 08/2015
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Availability, Price, and Quality of Fruits and Vegetables in 12 Rural Montana Counties, 2014
Assesses consumer food environment in 17 rural and 3 urban Montana grocery stores using Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores (NEMS-S) to determine availability of quality, fresh food in rural areas.
Author(s): Carmen Byker Shanks, Selena Ahmed, Teresa Smith, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 08/2015
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College Students as Facilitators in Reducing Adolescent Obesity Disparity in Southern Appalachia: Team Up for Healthy Living
Describes a peer-based obesity prevention program focused on healthy eating and physical activity for rural Appalachian high school students, with college students serving as facilitators.
Author(s): Deborah Leachman Slawson, William T. Dalton, Taylor McKeehan Dula, et al.
Citation: Contemporary Clinical Trials, 43, 39-52
Date: 07/2015
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Rural Food and Physical Activity Assessment Using an Electronic Tablet-Based Application, New York, 2013-2014
Evaluates the effectiveness of a community assessment tool focused on the built environment and used to capture images such as sidewalks, walkable destinations, restaurants, and food stores, in an effort to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and active living. Includes resident perspectives on community features and opportunities for improvement.
Author(s): Rebecca A. Seguin, Emily H. Morgan, Leah M. Connor, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 07/2015
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Older Americans Act: Updated Information on Unmet Need for Services
Examines older adults' reported need for home and community-based services and the potential unmet need for these services. Includes metropolitan and non-metropolitan data on food insecurity and receipt of congregate and home-delivered meals.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 06/2015
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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A Participatory Regional Partnership Approach to Promote Nutrition and Physical Activity Through Environmental and Policy Change in Rural Missouri
A case study of Healthier Missouri Communities (Healthier MO), a community-based research project in 12 counties in rural southeast Missouri. Describes a group process to identify and select promising evidence-based interventions to promote nutrition and physical activity.
Author(s): Ellen K. Barnidge, Elizabeth A. Baker, Amy Estlund, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 06/2015
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