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Food insecurity is becoming a serious concern for many rural Nebraskans.
There are many roadblocks Nebraskans face when it comes to food security. More grocery stores are closing, and high transportation costs combined with spotty internet service can prevent rural residents from accessing and using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits.
Jillian Linster is the Policy Director for the Center of Rural Affairs. She said there's been a nearly 30% decrease in the number of grocery stores in rural Nebraska.
“Rural residents often anticipate traveling further to obtain food access, but we've identified that there are food access challenges in as many as 66 of Nebraska's 93 counties," Linster said.
A USDA report showed that in 2023, Nebraska's food insecurity rate was 12.2%, higher than the national average of 11.2%.
Rural areas can also have unreliable internet services, creating obstacles for Nebraskans living there to access SNAP benefits online.
Eric Savaiano is the program manager for food and nutrition access for Nebraska Appleseed. Savaiano said there are issues once people receive benefits, too.
“I guess people who live in rural areas do end up traveling farther to go shopping," Savaiano said. "It just costs more to get from their home to that grocery store. If you spend $10 more to go to the grocery store, that's $10 less you might have using your SNAP benefits. People have to share rides or find a way to get delivery and in general, those things do cost money.”
Food insecurity is on the rise in Nebraska and nationwide, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Nationwide, the USDA says over a million additional Americans were "food insecure" in 2023 compared to the previous year.
According to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, while rural Nebraska has fewer large chain grocery stores and more small shops, SNAP benefits can also be used to make purchases online and have groceries delivered. Nebraska currently has 14 authorized retailers that allow families to purchase food online. The online authorized retailers include ALDI, Amazon, Baker’s, Costco, Hy-Vee, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods, Setting D Ranch, Salt Creek Farm Coop and Dash Mart.
In addition to SNAP, other assistance programs such as Social Services to Aged and Disabled Adults (SSAD) can assist with home-delivered or congregate meals. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services encourages eligible individuals to visit thewebsite or call 402-471-7256 for more information if they are struggling with food insecurity.