Food Insecurity in Applachia: Patterns, Prevalence and Forms

In this paper I examine the state of food insecurity in Appalachia, comparing its prevalence and form to the rest of the United States and the non-Appalachian portion of ARC-designated Appalachian states. Using data primarily from the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Environment Atlas 2014 and counties as the unit of analysis I examine low and very low food security alongside specific indicators reflecting these dynamics including child hunger, food deserts, health considerations, school feeding program participation, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits among others. I analyze the data using a one-sample T-Test for the differences of means to reveal instances where Appalachian counties fare better or worse on food insecurity indicators than the remainder of the country. Findings reveal several key themes that emerge with regard to food insecurity concerns in the region including the availability of grocery stores, access to healthy and nutritious food and related health outcomes, limited transportation systems, lower incomes, higher poverty rates, and the importance of programs to assist the citizenry in coping with the issue. I discuss findings in light of the historical context and political economy of Appalachia in connection with emerging ideas pertaining to food sovereignty and food justice including opportunities for addressing the issue through creation of an empowering and vibrant food system in the region that is and builds on a foundation of resilience to develop a more sustainable economy