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DeWitt E, Gillespie R, Norman-Burgdolf H, Slone S, Cardarelli KM, Gustafson A. Exploring the Relationship Between SNAP Enrollment and Food Insecurity in Rural Appalachia. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2157231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily DeWitt
- Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rachel Gillespie
- Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Heather Norman-Burgdolf
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Stacey Slone
- Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Cardarelli
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Alison Gustafson
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Food Insecurity in the Rural United States: An Examination of Struggles and Coping Mechanisms to Feed a Family among Households with a Low-Income. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245250. [PMID: 36558409 PMCID: PMC9785039 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Households with a low-income in rural places experience disproportionate levels of food insecurity. Further research is needed about the nuances in strategies that households with a low-income in rural areas apply to support food security nationally. This study aimed to understand the barriers and strategies that households with a low-income in rural areas experience to obtain a meal and support food security in the United States. We conducted a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews among 153 primary grocery shoppers with a low-income residing in rural counties. A majority of family's ideal meals included animal-based protein, grains, and vegetables. Main themes included struggles to secure food and coping mechanisms. Ten categories included affordability, adequacy, accommodation, appetite, time, food source coordinating, food resource management, reduced quality, rationing for food, and exceptional desperation. These results can inform public health professionals' efforts when partnering to alleviate food insecurity in rural areas.
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Federal Food Assistance Program Participation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Participant Perspectives and Reasons for Discontinuing. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214524. [PMID: 36364785 PMCID: PMC9654117 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe reasons for discontinuing participation and experiences participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey distributed to a national sample, restricted to (1) households that discontinued participating in SNAP (n = 146) or WIC (n = 149) during the pandemic and (2) households that participated in SNAP (n = 501) or WIC (n = 141) during spring 2021—approximately one year into the pandemic. We conducted thematic analyses of open-ended survey questions and descriptive statistics for Likert-scale items. Themes raised by respondents who discontinued participating in SNAP or WIC included difficulty recertifying and virus exposure concerns. Former WIC participants reported the program was not worth the effort and former SNAP participants reported failing to requalify. Respondents participating in WIC or SNAP during the pandemic mentioned transportation barriers and insufficient benefit value. WIC participants had trouble redeeming benefits in stores and SNAP participants desired improved online grocery purchasing experiences. These results suggest that enhancements to WIC and SNAP, such as expanded online purchasing options, program flexibilities, and benefit increases, can improve program participation to ensure access to critical nutrition supports, especially during emergencies.
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Vedovato GM, Ali SH, Lowery CM, Trude ACB. Giving Families a Voice for Equitable Healthy Food Access in the Wake of Online Grocery Shopping. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204377. [PMID: 36297061 PMCID: PMC9609455 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the views of families from low-income backgrounds about inequities in healthy food access and grocery purchase is critical to food access policies. This study explored perspectives of families eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on healthy food access in physical and online grocery environments. The qualitative design used purposive sampling of 44 primary household food purchasers with children (aged ≤ 8), between November 2020–March 2021, through 11 online focus groups and 5 in-depth interviews. Grounded theory was used to identify community-level perceived inequities, including influences of COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP and online grocery services. The most salient perceived causes of inequitable food access were neighborhood resource deficiencies and public transportation limitations. Rural communities, people with disabilities, older adults, racially and ethnically diverse groups were perceived to be disproportionately impacted by food inequities, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. The ability to use SNAP benefits to buy foods online facilitated healthy food access. Delivery fees and lack of control over food selection were barriers. Barriers to healthy food access aggravated by SNAP included social stigma, inability to acquire cooked meals, and inadequate amount of monthly funds. Findings provide a foundation for policy redesign to promote equitable healthy food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M. Vedovato
- Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos 11015-021, SP, Brazil
| | - Shahmir H. Ali
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Caitlin M. Lowery
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Angela C. B. Trude
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-998-5456
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Conrad A, Ronnenberg M. Hardship in the Heartland: Associations Between Rurality, Income, and Material Hardship. RURAL SOCIOLOGY 2022; 87:936-959. [PMID: 36250035 PMCID: PMC9544636 DOI: 10.1111/ruso.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One in three U.S. households has experienced material hardship. The inadequate provision of basic needs, including food, healthcare, and transportation, is more typical in households with children or persons of color, yet little is known about material hardship in rural spaces. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of material hardships in Iowa and examine the relationship between rurality, income, and material hardship. Using data from the 2016 State Innovation Model Statewide Consumer Survey, we use logistic regression to examine the association between rurality, income, and four forms of material hardship. Rural respondents incurred lower odds than non-rural respondents for all four hardship models. All four models indicated that lower income respondents incurred greater odds for having material hardship. Material hardship was reported across all groups, with rurality, income, race, and age as strong predictors of material hardship among our sample.
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John SF, Okem AE, Mubangizi BC, Adekanla N, Ngubane LP, Barry I. Rural vulnerability and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19: A scoping review. JÀMBÁ: JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK STUDIES 2022; 14:1227. [PMID: 36092749 PMCID: PMC9453141 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study reviewed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pre-existing vulnerabilities in rural communities using the scoping review strategy. It focused on manuscripts published on the topic in 2020. Based on 39 studies that met our inclusion criteria (out of 507 studies), we note that COVID-19 is exacerbating pre-existing rural vulnerabilities, including poverty, remoteness, socio-economic marginalisation and high unemployment. There is limited evidence that rural communities are resilient to the pandemic. Reduction in household expenditures and the community food system are the only reported forms of resilience. Although local institutions are supporting rural communities in responding to the impacts of the pandemic, several institutional dynamics undermine the effectiveness of the response. The increased risk of the pandemic is likely to reduce incomes and standards of living amongst poor communities. Thus, coping strategies were identified such as starting small gardens in communities, diet changes, targeting community markets with produce rather than retailers and food swap using social media, with food swap being the most adopted coping strategy. Although this study does not offer a comprehensive picture of the levels and nature of vulnerability, resilience and institutional dynamics of rural communities in different parts of the world reveal the limitations of existing knowledge of the vulnerability of rural communities in the context of COVID-19. This underscores the importance of further studies on rural vulnerability in the context of COVID-19 that will enable evidence-based responses to the pandemic in rural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokfa F John
- NRF/SARChI in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew E Okem
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Betty C Mubangizi
- NRF/SARChI in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Londeka P Ngubane
- Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies, School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Harvey S, Valentine H, Landfried L, Lee J, Gibson C. Food Insecurity and Health-Related Quality of Life among SNAP Nutrition Incentive Participants. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.2009951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Harvey
- Department of Health Sport & Exercise Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Heather Valentine
- Research Administrative Assistant, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Lauren Landfried
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl Gibson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Caspi CE, De Marco M, Welle E, Sadeghzadeh C, Chapman L, Harnack LJ, Pratt R. A qualitative analysis of SNAP and minimum wage policies as experienced by workers with lower incomes. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022; 17:521-539. [PMID: 36117544 PMCID: PMC9477082 DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.1997859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Work-related policies, including minimum wage and food assistance work requirements, can affect food security for people with lower incomes. This study conducted 112 qualitative interviews to understand participant policy experiences in two contexts (Raleigh, North Carolina and Minneapolis, Minnesota). Participants experienced frequent, destabilizing changes to their United States Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which they identified as part of a broader safety net. Raleigh workers described an unsupportive policy environment; Minneapolis workers reaped few benefits from an ongoing wage increase. Many workers face complex financial tradeoffs; more sophisticated evaluations should consider broader policy contexts and long-range effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Caspi
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut,Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut
| | - Molly De Marco
- Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Emily Welle
- University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Program in Health Disparities Research, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Claire Sadeghzadeh
- Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Leah Chapman
- Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Lisa J. Harnack
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Suite 300, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Rebekah Pratt
- University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Program in Health Disparities Research, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN
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