Experiencing rural household food insecurity: A broad examination and regional example
Abstract
Household food insecurity is experienced by one in every eight Canadians. Food insecurity is primarily driven by low-income and often accompanied by negative physical and mental health outcomes. Across the country, food banks attempt to provide local communities with an emergency food option and have become institutionalized. In rural areas, transportation and access to affordable food can be a challenge. The experience of household food insecurity in rural settings has predominantly been left out of the literature. The perspectives of those living in rural households, who access food banks and experience food insecurity, are explored using qualitative thematic and content analysis methods. The results reveal a complex experience, including strategies, skills, external support, and a diverse set of compounding stressors. Taking an ecological systems perspective, change is required at multiple levels of the environment, from improved food bank practices to broad policy change. Future research must consider diverse rural voices.