Food Insecurity and Sustainable Solutions for Rural Veterans
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
Virtual via Zoom
Campus
Worldwide
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Graduate Student, Human Security and Resilience
Presentation Description/Abstract
Food insecurity undermines health, dignity, and opportunity. It disproportionately affects U.S. military veterans, especially those in rural communities. Access to nutritious food is tied to poorer physical, cognitive, and mental health, yet stigma can conceal need and deter help-seeking. Existing supports include federal nutrition benefits, Veterans Health Administration screening and referrals, food pantries, and nonprofit initiatives, which provide essential relief but are fragmented and often complex to navigate. Transportation barriers, limited clinical capacity, and confusing eligibility pathways further erode access and continuity of care. This study synthesizes evidence on veteran food insecurity and highlights sustainable, community-based solutions. It promotes practical pathways that pair immediate assistance with long-term resilience. Veteran-focused sustainable agriculture and gardening programs help ensure a steady supply of fresh food while addressing broader social elements by connecting individuals to other members of the community. Teaching kitchens and nutrition counseling turn access into healthier daily habits. Coordinated government, nonprofit, and community partnerships can streamline enrollment, deliver services to rural veterans, and leverage peer networks to reduce stigma. A phased implementation plan emphasizing local tailoring, mobile and digital outreach, and continuous evaluation to align resources with real-world barriers is crucial. Integrating food security with mental health support, transportation assistance, and economic stabilization can measurably improve veteran well-being. By advancing sustainable farming and gardening alongside coordinated clinical and community action, stakeholders can move beyond short-term aid toward durable, dignified food access for those who served.
Keywords
Food security, veterans, rural communities, mental health, physical health
Food Insecurity and Sustainable Solutions for Rural Veterans
Food insecurity undermines health, dignity, and opportunity. It disproportionately affects U.S. military veterans, especially those in rural communities. Access to nutritious food is tied to poorer physical, cognitive, and mental health, yet stigma can conceal need and deter help-seeking. Existing supports include federal nutrition benefits, Veterans Health Administration screening and referrals, food pantries, and nonprofit initiatives, which provide essential relief but are fragmented and often complex to navigate. Transportation barriers, limited clinical capacity, and confusing eligibility pathways further erode access and continuity of care. This study synthesizes evidence on veteran food insecurity and highlights sustainable, community-based solutions. It promotes practical pathways that pair immediate assistance with long-term resilience. Veteran-focused sustainable agriculture and gardening programs help ensure a steady supply of fresh food while addressing broader social elements by connecting individuals to other members of the community. Teaching kitchens and nutrition counseling turn access into healthier daily habits. Coordinated government, nonprofit, and community partnerships can streamline enrollment, deliver services to rural veterans, and leverage peer networks to reduce stigma. A phased implementation plan emphasizing local tailoring, mobile and digital outreach, and continuous evaluation to align resources with real-world barriers is crucial. Integrating food security with mental health support, transportation assistance, and economic stabilization can measurably improve veteran well-being. By advancing sustainable farming and gardening alongside coordinated clinical and community action, stakeholders can move beyond short-term aid toward durable, dignified food access for those who served.