Rural Health Matters: Navigating Nutrition in ‘Food Deserts’

Dr. Jeffrey Gold discuss nutrition challenges in rural communities, barriers to healthy food access, and ways to improve dietary outcomes this week on Rural Health Matters.

southwest_arizona desert sunset catus_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

OMAHA, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — Nutrition remains a top concern for many consumers, especially in rural communities where barriers to meeting dietary needs can be more pronounced. Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska, joined us for this week’s Rural Health Matters segment to discuss challenges surrounding nutrition in rural areas.

In his conversation with RFD News, Dr. Gold addressed whether rural populations face greater difficulty meeting their dietary needs than their urban counterparts. He also discussed the concept of “food deserts” and ways individuals and communities can work to improve access to healthier food options.

Finally, Dr. Gold shared final thoughts on the importance of prioritizing nutrition and finding practical ways to support healthier lifestyles in rural America.

For those with questions or seeking guidance on rural health, nutrition and rural food security, Dr. Gold welcomes you to reach out via email at [email protected].

Related Stories
While symbolic, the WTO’s youth hackathon reflects growing calls for creative approaches to food trade and security, with potential implications for reducing losses, expanding biofuel markets, and stabilizing grain flows.
Chad Collin, founder of The Quack Pack USA, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his expertise in training Border Collies to serve as indispensable farm and ranch dogs.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
More Shows
RFD News coverage of energy and fuel markets, including Brent crude oil, diesel, solar, wind, geothermal, and electrical power, and the latest policy updates on biofuel and ethanol.
Each spring, Rodeo Austin welcomes junior livestock exhibitors and horse show exhibitors to the annual Fair and Rodeo typically held in March. On average more than 9,000 exhibitors compete to enhance their agricultural education. Rodeo Austin is proud to provide these opportunities for youth to succeed.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Winter Stock Show Season! And to celebrate the hard work of the future of agriculture, we’re streaming live from some of the biggest livestock shows in Texas.
Through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, calf scramble program and show premiums, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo impacts over 22,000 youth in Texas annually.
Dedicated to preserving the western way of life and promoting agricultural education to the Youth of Texas, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association works year round to continue to bring top notch events to the West Texas Area.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
In the harsh Australian Outback, water drillers Danyelle and Anthony Haigh give up their nomadic life of searching for water for cattle ranches, to offer their two sons, Heath and Theo, a more settled life. They swap water drilling for something they’ve never done before – farming.
Analiese Gregory is taking one of the biggest risks of her life: she’s left her successful career as a restaurant chef and bought a century-old cottage at the bottom of the world, in pristine Tasmania, Australia. We share her journey of discovery as she gets under the skin of her new home – and learns to live seasonally off the land, by hunting, fishing, and foraging.
The fourth and final event in Major League Fishing’s Fishing Clash Team Series. Catch the final round each day LIVE only on RFD-TV.