Many rural areas in the United States have to face rural hunger because of several underlying causes. Access to fresh produce, ironically, might be one of the main causes of such a problem in these localities. Few retailers would invest in regions where there might be a low volume of consumers, either because of the seasonality of activities in those parts or economic factors that might hinder the capacity of residents to buy food.
Food insecurity, in the long run, may pose a number of crucial challenges like widespread malnutrition, decreased productivity, and other general effects on many levels of human development and living conditions. Several strategies have been in place to address these concerns.
Some federal and state initiatives and funding have made it possible for rural communities to subsidize costs for regular food retailers and businesses that might be willing to bring their produce in rural areas. Other than financing opportunities from federal and local sectors, government policies have been in place like programs by the USDA that mitigate the impact of those difficulties.
Local community residents and workers can find cooperative solutions to help in instituting their own retail establishments through the help of the local government. Grocery stores using the cooperative model, farmers markets, or community-supported agricultural programs foster a communal spirit that can augment the help already being extended from outside.
Additional proactive undertakings that greatly assist in ending hunger are food banks. These institutions have been focusing on more effective storage and distribution of healthy food for the community. Partnering with and accepting donations from many organizations, they also get involved in the education of residents about their options, proper nutrition, and eventual self-sufficiency.
Randy Benderson is the President of Benderson Development, a company his father Nathan Benderson established. Even outside the corporate world, the Benderson legacy aims to impact society with philanthropic efforts that will change the lives of thousands. For more information about Randy and the firm, click here.
Randy Benderson 
