Poverty, Perceived Community Food Resources, and Insufficient Household Food Resources among Rural Older Adults

Rural older adults grapple with high levels of chronic conditions, low levels of available health support, limited personal and community resources, geographic isolation, and poor nutritional health. There is limited understanding of the relationship between community food resources and insufficient household food resources among rural older adults. The 2006 Brazos Valley Health Survey (BVHS) collected data on a random sample of 663 older adults who resided in six rural counties in Texas. Nutrition questions included community food resources and adequacy of household food resources. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multiple variable regression models were fit to examine correlates of inadequate household food resources. Among rural older adults, 33% reported little food variety in local stores, 60% few grocery stores or supermarkets, 46% food prices too high, 34% travel ≥13 miles for groceries, 15% household food insufficiency (food purchased not last). Correlates of insufficient household food were perceived high community food prices (OR 2.5), limited access to food (OR 3.4), poverty (OR 4.8), low income (5.4), being African American (OR 5.9), and not married (OR 2.5). Rural older adults with limited financial resources face tremendous challenges to healthful eating, and are at greater risk for insufficient household food resources. Considering that there is limited public transportation in rural areas, rural older adults are losing easy access to affordable food supplies, decreased availability of fresh foods, higher costs of food, and increased risk for inappropriate food choice and poor nutritional health. There are program and policy implications for food assistance programs.