Accessing Food Distribution Networks in Rural Kansas
GrantID: 11669
Grant Funding Amount Low: $8,000,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $8,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Kansas’s Rural Food Distribution Network: Addressing Food Insecurity
Rural Kansas faces significant food insecurity challenges, with estimates suggesting that nearly 14.5% of the rural population lacks consistent access to healthy food. This situation is exacerbated by geographic isolation, limited transportation options, and a shortage of grocery stores, especially in the more remote areas of the state. According to the Kansas Health Institute, rural residents often travel over 20 miles to reach the nearest supermarket, which poses both time and financial barriers.
Who Faces Food Insecurity in Kansas
The populations most affected by food insecurity in Kansas include low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and residents of communities that lack sufficient transportation options. According to recent census data, some of the state's rural counties, such as Cheyenne and Wallace, report more than 20% of their population experiencing food insecurity. Additionally, a lack of access to fresh produce and healthy food options has implications for public health, leading to a rise in diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.
How Does Funding Address Food Distribution Issues?
The annual grant for enhancing understanding of human behavior leverages data and network science to improve food distribution networks specifically in rural Kansas. By establishing partnerships with local farmers, transport services, and community organizations, the initiative can identify and fill gaps in food access. Funding will allocate resources to create a dynamic, data-driven approach for food logistics, ultimately fostering more efficient delivery systems that accommodate the unique needs of Kansas’s rural landscape.
Implementing Collaborative Solutions
The research facilitated by this funding will assess existing distribution networks, analyze demographic data, and propose tailored solutions for enhancing food accessibility. This approach underscores the importance of local collaboration, where farmers can connect directly with food banks and community organizations. Moreover, innovative technological applicationssuch as mobile apps to track food inventory and delivery routesare likely outcomes from this grant, fostering community engagement and reliance on local resources.
Unique Kansas Conditions
Unlike neighboring states such as Nebraska or Missouri, Kansas's vast rural areas present distinct challenges with food distribution systems. The specific context of food deserts in Kansas requires tailored interventions, as some regions may have access to food but still lack the means or awareness to utilize those resources effectively. This funding will specifically target these deficiencies, ensuring that rural Kansans receive the healthy food options they need to thrive.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
