Introduction: The health of individuals is directly linked with nutrition. Good nutrition includes consumption of fruits and vegetables, and those who struggle with poverty are more likely to have inadequate access to nutritious foods and thus experience greater health disparities. Food pantries can help fill this nutritional gap for individuals living in poverty.

Methods: The cross-sectional pilot study examined barriers of individuals (n = 50) who used a food pantry in rural southern Illinois at least one time per month. The research team created an original instrument to compare demographic differences in individuals’ perceived barriers.

Results: Results indicated those with single-person households experienced the greatest degree of barriers. Specifically, they reported issues with home resources, t(31) = 2.153, p < 0.05; food pantry service hours, t(31) = 2.154, p < 0.05; and food items not meeting their dietary needs, t(31)= 2.147, p < 0.05. Similarly, males indicated their individual dietary needs were not being met by the foods offered, t(47) = 2.366, p < 0.05; they did not have the required resources at home, t(47) = 2.365, p <0.05; and food pantry service hours conflicted with their schedules, t(47) = 2.358, p < 0.05. Lastly, individuals aged 18-24 reported disliking 50% of the foods being offered, t(20) = -2.339, p < 0.05.

Discussion: The findings from this study serve as a starting point to identifying and understanding issues experienced by rural food pantry users. Public health practitioners can thus develop targeted interventions to help better serve the population.