Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

Spring 4-7-2026

Abstract

Fresh produce is essential to a balanced diet; however, many families struggle to access consistent sources of it. In 2022, about 17 million households were without access to nutritionally sound food from an easy to access source (Godoy 2023). About 10% of the populations of Rockingham County (approximately 17,000 people) are considered to be food insecure with at least 1,000 of those being children (Map the Meal Gap 2016).  Many of those experiencing food insecurity rely heavily on the emergency food system (e.g. food pantries).  Highly processed foods tend to be less expensive and shelf stable than the healthier fresh, nutrient dense foods. This makes them the most affordable option for low-income households and food pantries they often rely on. Research suggests a correlation between food insecurity and obesity rates at least in part because of these processed foods.  As a whole, food pantries are making concerted efforts to stock more fresh foods.  The purpose of this study was to determine if local food pantries were able to provide fresh produce for their clients, and the sources of their produce. We conducted interviews with food pantries to ask them about their ability to supply fresh produce.  Of the seven pantries interviewed all provided some amount of fresh produce, four had issues with overall quality, three had issues with having enough volunteers, and all struggled to provide fresh produce during the winter months.

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