Exploring Food-Based Cultural Practices to Address Food Insecurity in Rural Appalachia

Author:

Batey Lauren1,DeWitt Emily1,Brewer Dawn1,Cardarelli Kathryn M.1,Norman-Burgdolf Heather1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Abstract

Background Health behaviors, like diet, are influenced by a person’s culture and the society where they reside, contributing to the presence of health disparities within a unique region. Such disparities are evident in Central Appalachia where a unique cultural identity exists. Culture-based initiatives focused on improving food security and other nutritional challenges have had success in other diverse groups, yet similar interventions considering geographically tied culture, like Appalachia, are limited. Aim This study aims to identify specific aspects of Appalachian culture that address food insecurity to inform future initiatives that may improve adult dietary habits and food security status. Methods Qualitative data were collected from five focus groups in one rural Central Appalachian community in 2021 (n=59). Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory Approach. Results Four primary themes related to culture and food insecurity emerged: 1) Community decline and economic hardship 2) Shifts in multigenerational food traditions 3) Response to limited food access and 4) Community decline and economic hardship. Participants revealed adaptations they have made in the face of geographic isolation and poverty and the pride they take in providing for themselves and one another. Conclusion These findings indicate the people of Appalachia are unknowingly leveraging cultural practices to address food insecurity, yet the impact of these practices on nutritional status remains unknown. These results have implications for future studies and interventions in Appalachia which may have greater success by accounting for cultural influences compared to traditional approaches for reducing food insecurity in the region.

Funder

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

Reference39 articles.

1. Appalachian Regional Commission. (2019). Health disparities related to obesity in Appalachia: Practical strategies and recommendations for communities (Creating a culture of health in Appalachia: Disparities and bright spots, issue). https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HealthDisparitiesRelatedtoObesityinAppalachiaApr2019.pdf

2. Appalachian Regional Commission. (2022). County economic status and number of distressed areas in Appalachian Kentucky, fiscal year 2023. https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CountyEconomicStatusandDistressAreasFY2023Kentucky.pdf

3. Association between community garden participation and fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Missouri

4. Policy Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity in Rural America: Evidence from Appalachia

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