The "Story Behind the Curve" helps us understand why the data on food insecurity is the way that it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• State and Federal Food Assistance Programs – Programs like Food and Nutrition Services (FNS/SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Summer Meals for Children help low-income families access essential food resources.
• Local Food Banks and Community Support – Organizations like the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, MANNA FoodBank, and Second Harvest Food Bank provide emergency food assistance and SNAP application support along with the multiple food pantries and soup kitchens in the county.
• Nutrition Security Initiatives – The NC Nutrition Security Plan has expanded outreach and streamlined application processes for food assistance programs, helping more families enroll.

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Limited Transportation and Access to Healthy Foods – Many rural areas in Rutherford County lack grocery stores, making it difficult for residents to obtain fresh produce and nutritious foods.
• Financial Barriers and Rising Costs – Inflation and rising food prices have made it harder for low-income families to afford nutritious meals, even with assistance programs.
• Stigma and Enrollment Challenges – Some residents avoid seeking food assistance due to stigma or difficulty navigating complex application processes for programs like SNAP and WIC.

Partners in our Community Health Improvement Process:  

• Foothills Health District 

• WNC Healthy Impact

Partners with a Role in Helping Our Community Do Better on This Issue: 

• Rutherford County Food Council

The following actions have been identified by our partners and community members as ideas for what can work for our community to make a difference on food insecurity.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on food insecurity.

• Address root cause

• Mobile clinics 

• Transportation 

• Translation

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on food insecurity.

• Backpack programs 

• Food banks 

• Community & Faith centers 

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on food insecurity.

What Community Members Most Affected by food insecurity Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by food insecuity. 

• Having more access to healthy and affordable food