ARS | Publication request: Barriers to receiving food assistance in rural North Dakota

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2008
Publication Date: April 15, 2008
Publisher's URL: http://www.fasebj.org
Reprint URL: http://www.fasebj.org
Citation: Colby, S.E., Follett, J.R., Johnson, L.K., Sellent, S., Paulson, M. 2008. Barriers to receiving food assistance in rural North Dakota. [abstract] Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 22:1b768.

Technical Abstract: Food insecurity is associated with having lower dietary quality and increased BMI. The barriers individuals face in rural North Dakota to receiving food assistance are largely unknown. A partnership of community agencies and researchers conducted focus groups with food assistance providers (those who provide assistance through soup kitchens and food pantries) and clients (those who receive assistance). Findings of focus groups were used to develop a postcard survey for clients and providers. Surveys were administered by key regional contacts throughout North Dakota. Results indicated that embarrassment, transportation, amount of food provided, hours of operation and location of operation were the biggest barriers reported by clients to receiving food assistance. Providers also perceived factors associated with embarrassment to be primary barriers to receiving food assistance. By understanding barriers to receiving food assistance more effective interventions can be developed to alleviate hunger associated with food insecurity. This research was funded through a grant from Otto Bremer Foundation, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the USDA/ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.