Table 3 Rural food access policy research priorities based on NOPREN RFAWG* core group interpretation
Research Priority | Domain | Description |
|---|---|---|
Economic development, viability and consumer purchasing power in rural communities | Data and Policy | How can economic development efforts, particularly through food producers and entrepreneurs, influence consumer purchasing power and behaviors? How do various food safety regulations impact market concerns? What policies help or hinder rural economic development? |
Food and nutrition assistance program adaptations for rural communities | Food and Nutrition Assistance | What can we understand about barriers and facilitators for food assistance programs and other nutrition support services in rural areas? This information would inform needed policy adaptations and involve conducting translational activities. |
Role of emergency food services in rural communities | Food and Nutrition Assistance | What can we understand about how rural communities address emergency food needs in rural communities? To what extent is service delivery in rural areas cost-effective? What are the best practices and how should these be disseminated? |
Cooperative extension impact on access | Consumer Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors | Evaluation of some educational programs in rural communities, such as SNAP-Ed, have been limited. How can researchers partner with outreach initiatives to learn how these efforts support policy objectives? For example, what is the role of cooperative extension in large policy and environmental change initiatives such as Communities Putting Prevention to Work? |
Rural retail availability and shopping patterns | Healthy Food Retail and Availability | Rural communities have various retail options (e.g., mass retailers, bulk stores, dollar stores, corner stores, grocery stores, underground food economies). How do these options influence consumer shopping habits? What policies impact rural retail options? |
Rural food production capacity | Food Production | Rural communities used to grow their own food and now no longer do. What capacity (e.g., social, financial, technical) do rural communities have and lack for food production? What policies and practices can improve food production capacity for rural residents? |
Rural research tool and method development | Cross-cutting (relevant to all domains) | There is a need for projects that inform the development and adaptation of best practice and research measurement tools appropriate for rural demographics and geography. Food access studies conducted in urban and suburban settings can also be replicated in rural contexts. |