Details:

Alternative Title:
Prev Chronic Dis
Personal Author:
Carnahan, Leslie R. ; Zimmermann, Kristine ; Peacock, Nadine R.
Carnahan, Leslie R. ; Zimmermann, Kristine ; Peacock, Nadine R. Less -
Description:
Introduction

Living in a rural food desert has been linked to poor dietary habits. Understanding community perspectives about available resources and feasible solutions may inform strategies to improve food access in rural food deserts. The objective of our study was to identify resources and solutions to the food access problems of women in rural, southernmost Illinois.

Methods

Fourteen focus groups with women (n = 110 participants) in 4 age groups were conducted in a 7-county region as part of a community assessment focused on women’s health. We used content analysis with inductive and deductive approaches to explore food access barriers and facilitators.

Results

Similar to participants in previous studies, participants in our study reported insufficient local food sources, which they believe contributed to poor dietary habits, high food prices, and the need to travel for healthful food. Participants identified existing local activities and resources that help to increase access, such as home and community gardens, food pantries, and public transportation, as well as local solutions, such as improving nutrition education and public transportation options.

Conclusion

Multilevel and collaborative strategies and policies are needed to address food access barriers in rural communities. At the individual level, education may help residents navigate geographic and economic barriers. Community solutions include collaborative strategies to increase availability of healthful foods through traditional and nontraditional food sources. Policy change is needed to promote local agriculture and distribution of privately grown food. Understanding needs and strengths in rural communities will ensure responsive and effective strategies to improve the rural food environment.


Subjects:
[+]
Adolescent Adult Aged Diet, Healthy Female Focus Groups Food/economics Food/standards Food Supply Humans Middle Aged Public Health Qualitative Research Rural Population Social Environment Socioeconomic Factors Young Adult
Source:
Prev Chronic Dis. 13.
Pubmed ID:
27126555
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC4856481
Document Type:
Journal Article
Place as Subject:
Illinois
Collection(s):
Preventing Chronic Disease
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:304e72d9e715e0395b37715db12d93e22b4130c11122426560b6f62d33ef1355
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/39663/cdc_39663_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• PCD-13-E57.nxml

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