Food Insecurity in the Rural South in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lorraine C Taylor1, Seronda A Robinson2, Irene A Doherty3
1North Carolina Central University, Juvenile Justice Institute.
Medical Research Archives
|March 22, 2024
Summary
Food insecurity is rising in the Southern US, particularly after COVID-19. This study analyzes characteristics of food-insecure populations to inform strategies for reducing this health disparity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Rural Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Food insecurity is a growing problem in Southern US rural communities.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing food access challenges.
- Addressing this issue is crucial for eliminating health disparities in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the characteristics of food-insecure individuals and families in rural Southern US.
- To inform the development of targeted strategies to combat food insecurity.
- To identify key factors contributing to food insecurity in underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive analysis was conducted.
- Data was collected via a food insecurity survey.
- Surveys were administered to attendees at food security events in several Southern US counties.
Main Results:
- The study presents a descriptive analysis of food insecurity in the region.
- Identified characteristics of food-insecure individuals and families.
- Highlighted specific challenges faced by underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Conclusions:
- Understanding regional characteristics is vital for effective intervention.
- Creative strategies are needed to eliminate food insecurity as a health disparity.
- Recommendations are provided for addressing food insecurity among vulnerable groups.
Related Concept Videos
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
10.7K
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
10.7K
01:25Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst
190
Hunger and thirst are fundamental physiological drives crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring the survival of both humans and animals. These drives are regulated through complex interactions between the brain, hormones, and sensory receptors.
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus...
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus...
190
01:16What is Climate?
18.4K
Climate refers to the prevailing weather conditions in a specific area over an extended period. As the saying goes, “Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.” Climate is influenced by geographic factors, such as latitude, terrain, and proximity to bodies of water.
18.4K
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
1.4K
During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
1.4K
00:48Optimal Foraging
12.0K
How animals obtain and eat their food is called foraging behavior. Foraging can include searching for plants and hunting for prey and depends on the species and environment.
12.0K
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
228
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
228