Food Insecurity in the Rural South in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Food insecurity in rural communities in the Southern US continues to grow, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, understanding population characteristics and varying community needs is critical to ensure that communities have sufficient access to stable food stocks needed to maintain health. Data are presented from a food insecurity survey administered in six counties in North Carolina, a state found in the southern United States. These data provide important information on the complexity of this serious health disparity issue. Eliminating food insecurity is an important strategy for reducing risk for chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, and other health problems among rural populations, particularly for Black and low-income rural communities which are more likely to be food insecure. Results indicate the need for family financial support to buy healthy foods as the key strategy for addressing food insecurity in these counties. Additional recommendations are discussed.