Utilizing Public Transportation to End Food Insecurity in Rural and Small Urban Areas by Providing Better Access: A Case Study of Rural Counties in North Dakota

This report examines the role of public transportation in addressing food insecurity in rural and small urban areas of North Dakota, specifying that a "small urban area" encompasses cities with populations ranging from at least 2,500 to no more than 49,999 individuals. Food insecurity is a significant issue in these areas, exacerbated by limited access to healthy food options and the lack of public transportation. The report analyzes the potential of public transportation in improving access to nutritious food and reducing reliance on personal vehicles or dependence on others for rides. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is discussed as a key program in reducing food insecurity, and the report examines its utilization in North Dakota. Despite the existence of SNAP and food banks, food insecurity remains a challenge in the state. Child food insecurity is identified as a pressing issue, with implications for children's health and development. The report explores the correlation between child food insecurity rates and Native American populations, as well as the correlation between child food insecurity rates and poverty levels in various counties. Ranking counties by food insecurity rates is highlighted as a useful tool for identifying areas in need of interventions. Specific counties, such as Rolette, Benson, Sioux, and Ramsey, are identified as having higher rates of food insecurity, particularly among children, compared to the national average. The report analyzes the availability and accessibility of public transportation services in rural counties. It reveals that many rural areas lack adequate transit service, making it challenging for residents to access food stores, including food banks, food pantries, supermarkets, and other retailers. Food banks and food pantries play a crucial role in addressing hunger, but their service days and hours vary across counties. The report also examines the distribution of food stores, highlighting disparities and limited options in some rural counties. The findings emphasize the relationship between limited access to healthy and affordable food and poverty rates, particularly in Native American regions and urban areas. The report underscores the importance of addressing transportation barriers and improving access to healthy food options to effectively combat food insecurity.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1153
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/74133
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Small Urban, Rural and Tribal Center on Mobility

  Western Transportation Institute
  Montana State University
  Bozeman, MT  United States 

  Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

  Small Urban and Rural Center on Mobility
  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Mistry, Dilip
  • Hough, Jill
• Publication Date: 2024-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 83p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Access; Food; Low income groups; Public transit; Rural areas; Transportation disadvantaged persons
• Geographic Terms: North Dakota
• Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01914376
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SURTCOM 24-01
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 15 2024 8:37AM