The Effects of the Local Food Environment and Social Support on Rural Food Insecurity

ABSTRACT Local food environments and the social relationships of people across rural communities are part of the infrastructure that supports rural quality of life. In this study, we examine the relationship between a weak food infrastructure and rural food insecurity to discover differences among rural places in the American Midwest. We find that high local food prices and an inadequate number of food stores are viewed by families as obstacles to meeting their food needs. Some households counteract the local environment by shopping outside the county, farming, or relying on informal support networks. Transportation difficulties exacerbate food acquisition problems, while institutional support provided through food programs is not always effective. Implications for involving low-income rural families in program development are provided.