Policy, Price, and Perception: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study of the Rural Food Environment Among Latina Households

Food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic households in the US. This study examines food access perceptions among rural Latinos, acknowledging that food environments are complex systems influenced by factors such as availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and accommodation. This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with adult Latinas living in Nebraska's rural areas. Data was collected through participatory mapping, semi-structured interviews guided by the five dimensions of food access, and demographic surveys. Eighteen women participated in in-person interviews, and 68.3% of participants met the criteria for food insecurity. While chain stores were the primary shopping option in rural areas, challenges included limited availability of foods that are culturally relevant and accommodate special dietary needs. Ethnic stores were valued for cultural relevance despite concerns about quality and pricing. Overall, affordability was a significant barrier due to high rural costs, worsened by challenges in navigating nutrition program benefits and documentation status. Research or interventions targeting improvements in rural food security must extend beyond mere store availability, focusing on economic development, policy reform, and enhanced education in assistance programs to address these complex challenges.