A lack of transportation, educational resources and fresh food contributes to rural Texas' increasing number of food deserts, which already span 58 counties. A recent study conducted by the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI) “found that food insecurity is a major factor fueling the chronic illness problem in rural Texas,” reports Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.
PCCI found that 192 census tracts in Texas rank highly for obesity. Likewise, in East Texas, their data found 33 supermarkets — including discount stores — meeting the nutritional needs of more than 150,000 residents. Only 182 hospital beds are available for 100 miles.
“I don’t want people to see food insecurity as a social challenge. When I say food insecurity can lead to obesity, it’s not just talking about people not having nutritious food to eat. They don’t have access to food. They can’t afford the food,” said Lance Rather, senior director at PCCI. “And it’s like a domino effect. It can also lead to people just going for fast food, or people going for shelf-stable food rather than fresh foods, and those choices can accumulate over time and lead to obesity.
Outside of physical health disparities, food insecurity can lead to social isolation, stigma, depression and increased stress and anxiety —- all of which are other social determinants of health.
Education and awareness are key to addressing chronic health issues in rural areas. “Community-based organizations (CBOs) and community health workers can provide rural residents with information about how to access education and resources that will help them have a healthier diet,” Carey writes. “Using the information within the study, community-based organizations can make better decisions on how to most effectively use their limited resources.”
