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Improving Sustainable Food Access and Availability in Rural Communities: An Assessment of Needed Resources

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  • Catherine E. Sanders

    (Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Tatevik Markosyan

    (Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Kristin E. Gibson

    (Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Allison R. Byrd

    (Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Alexa J. Lamm

    (Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

Abstract

(1) Background: Extension educators are uniquely positioned to assist with sustainable community-based food environment change, especially related to obesity prevention efforts, because they are located in almost every county in the U.S. Extension educators strive to build resilient communities by improving food access and bridging various actors involved in the food systems. Needs assessments of desired educational program resources by priority populations, such as those in rural areas, are needed to ensure effective food access and nutrition literacy programs are established based on clientele needs. (2) Methods: Using a non-probability opt-in survey, data were collected from 780 rural residents in a U.S. state facing challenges with obesity rates due to lack of access to healthy, nutritious food to identify barriers to accessing fresh produce and desired educational program resources. (3) Results: The need for socioeconomic and market-based solutions within the built environment indicated educators should increase partnerships with economic resource organizations to enhance community resilience related to food access. (4) Conclusions: An increased understanding can enhance the efficacy of the resources Extension educators offer, resulting in improved food access and security by directly addressing clientele’s demonstrated needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine E. Sanders & Tatevik Markosyan & Kristin E. Gibson & Allison R. Byrd & Alexa J. Lamm, 2023. "Improving Sustainable Food Access and Availability in Rural Communities: An Assessment of Needed Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:6293-:d:1117341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yusra Laila Visser & Ryan Watkins & Maurya West Meiers, 2012. "A Guide to Assessing Needs : Essential Tools for Collecting Information, Making Decisions, and Achieving Development Results," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2231.
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