Nutrition in Rural Communities
March is National Nutrition Month, the perfect time to highlight the importance of healthy eating and its impact on overall well-being. While maintaining a balanced diet can be a challenge for many, rural communities often face additional barriers that make access to nutritious foods even more difficult.
OCH‘s Registered Dietician, Tammy Young, RDN, explains, “Meeting the nutritional needs of rural community patrons is a complex issue, as rural areas often face unique challenges.” One of the biggest obstacles is food access, many rural areas lack nearby grocery stores, leaving residents to rely on convenience stores stocked with processed, less nutritious options. Additionally, long travel distances and limited transportation options make it harder for families to reach stores that offer fresh produce and healthy ingredients.
Economic factors further complicate the issue. “Many rural communities struggle with food access, affordability, and transportation. Limited grocery stores lead to reliance on processed foods, while poverty and seasonal employment create financial instability, making it harder for families to maintain a nutritious diet,” says Young. With unpredictable incomes and higher food costs, many households must make difficult choices, often prioritizing affordability over nutritional value. These challenges underscore the need for increased awareness, resources, and support to help rural communities achieve better nutrition and overall health.
The Role of Registered Dietitians (RD’s) In Rural Communities
RDs, like Young help bridge these gaps by providing medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. They educate communities on healthy eating, meal planning, and food preparation with limited resources. Dietitians also address food insecurity by working with food banks, farmers’ markets, and assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.
Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation
To reach underserved populations, RDs use telehealth services and collaborate with healthcare providers to develop integrated care plans. They also lead community programs that promote better nutrition and advocate for increased access to healthy food options.
National Nutrition Month highlights the essential work of dietitians in rural areas. Through education, support, and community engagement, they help ensure better access to nutrition for all.
To learn more about Tammy Young, RDN, click the link below.