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Policy Implications Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Food Security In Rural America: Evidence From Appalachia, Kathryn M. Cardarelli, Emily M. Dewitt, Rachel Gillespie, Rachel Hogg-Graham, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Janet T. Mullins Dec 2021

Policy Implications Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Food Security In Rural America: Evidence From Appalachia, Kathryn M. Cardarelli, Emily M. Dewitt, Rachel Gillespie, Rachel Hogg-Graham, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Janet T. Mullins

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Rural communities are disproportionally affected by food insecurity, making them vulnerable to the consequences of supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While access to food was initially diminished due to food supply disruptions, little is known about the mechanisms through which federal emergency assistance programs impacted food access in rural populations. Through a series of five focus groups in spring 2021, we examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access in a rural Appalachian community in Kentucky. Data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach. Findings revealed the following four primary themes: food scarcity in grocery stores; …


Losses, Gains, And Changes To The Food Environment In A Rural Kentucky County During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Makenzie L. Barr, Courtney Martin, Courtney T. Luecking, Kathryn M. Cardarelli Nov 2021

Losses, Gains, And Changes To The Food Environment In A Rural Kentucky County During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Makenzie L. Barr, Courtney Martin, Courtney T. Luecking, Kathryn M. Cardarelli

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused alterations to be made in the way many people access, prepare, and consume food. Rural communities are particularly impacted due to pre-existing structural vulnerabilities, i.e., poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited fresh food options. This study aimed to characterize experiences of one rural Appalachian community’s changes to the food environment during the pandemic. In April 2021, six focus groups were conducted with residents of Laurel County, Kentucky. Using grounded theory, we identified losses, gains, and overall changes to the community food environment since the onset of COVID-19. Seventeen Laurel Countians (17 female; ages 30–74) participated …


Exploring Perceived Importance Of A Novel Emergency Food Program During Covid-19 And Program Recipient Characteristics, Makenzie L. Barr, Kendra Oonorasak, Kristin Hughes, Lauren Batey, Kaela Jackson, Haley Marshall, Tammy Stephenson Oct 2021

Exploring Perceived Importance Of A Novel Emergency Food Program During Covid-19 And Program Recipient Characteristics, Makenzie L. Barr, Kendra Oonorasak, Kristin Hughes, Lauren Batey, Kaela Jackson, Haley Marshall, Tammy Stephenson

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Following rising unemployment rates and consequent loss of income due to COVID-19, many people have been seeking meal assistance. This study examines the impact of a community-based free meal distribution program during the pandemic in Kentucky, reviewing characteristics of recipients of the program. Demographics, health behaviors, food insecure classification, and rating of importance of the meal program were collected. Qualitative feedback on the impact of the program was collected via open response. Of the 92 participants using the meal service, the cohort was female, Black, 43 years of age (43.5 ± 15.0 years), with a household income under 30,000 USD …


Alternative Community Nutrition Experiential Learning Opportunities For Dietetic Interns During Covid-19, Courtney T. Luecking, Elizabeth Combs, Heather Norman-Burgdolf Apr 2021

Alternative Community Nutrition Experiential Learning Opportunities For Dietetic Interns During Covid-19, Courtney T. Luecking, Elizabeth Combs, Heather Norman-Burgdolf

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration among faculty in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky yielded two, four-week virtual experiential learning opportunities with Cooperative Extension for 19 dietetic interns. Remote experiences focused on development of new programming regarding the role of nutrition in the prevention/management of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting Kentuckians and translating an existing social marketing program that promotes quality family time through preparation of nutritious, affordable home-cooked meals. Weekly assignments took ~10 hours, included individual and groupwork, and came together to create program packages encompassing commonly used products (e.g., …