Regional Food Security Data Scan

Authored by the Appalachian Foodshed Project for CAN and the Food & Ag Systems Working Group of the Appalachia Funders Network, this report provides state-level data snapshots related to food, agriculture, poverty, and health of the Central Appalachian region and suggests approaches to creating and utilizing data as a means of understanding and addressing food, health, and quality of life issues in Appalachia. Statistically, Central Appalachia shows up as moderately worse off than the rest of the country in various categories of food security. However, meaningful data for rural areas is limited and inconsistent, making it difficult to draw concrete conclusions about our communities and region. On the plus side, the existence of robust and emerging local food systems offers a powerful asset in combating food insecurity and poor nutritional health in the region. Click here to download a PDF of the full report.