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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.

March 19, 2026 01:34 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF
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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].

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Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
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.

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