Sustainable community-based food environment change is a critical component in the fight against obesity and improving the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities. Extension plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by working to bridge gaps in food access and nutrition literacy. To be effective, it is essential extension programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve, especially in rural areas where obesity rates are a pressing concern.
The author team included Dr. Katie Sanders, Tata Markosyan, Kristin Gibson, Allison Byrd, and Dr. Alexa Lamm. As part of the CDC funded, Healthier Together project, 780 rural residents were surveyed to identify the barriers they face accessing fresh produce and the educational program resources they desire.
The results of the study shed light on several critical findings:
- Economic and Market-Based Solutions: There is a need for socioeconomic and market-based solutions within the built environment . Many rural residents face financial constraints that limit their ability to access fresh produce. This suggests extension educators should focus on increasing partnerships with economic resource organizations to enhance community resilience related to food access. By collaborating with organizations that can provide economic support, educators can help make fresh produce more affordable and accessible.
- Community Resilience: Building resilient communities is key to improving food access in rural areas. Extension educators can play a pivotal role by acting as a bridge between those involved in the food system, including farmers, food distributors, and consumers.
The conclusions emphasize the importance of tailoring extension programs to address the specific needs of the communities they serve. By focusing on socioeconomic and market-based solutions, programs can directly address the barriers rural residents face in accessing fresh produce and improving their overall nutrition. In summary, the role of extension educators in sustainable community-based food environment change cannot be understated. Through collaboration, community engagement, and a deep understanding of the socioeconomic factors at play, Extension is poised to make a significant impact on obesity prevention and community health.
[1] Read the full article in the journal Sustainability at https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076293.
