Supporting resilient food systems: Navigating challenges in U.S. rural communities

This study examined how food systems in rural communities developed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with purposive community key informants (CKIs) in rural communities (designated a RUCA code 7 and higher) across 13 U.S. states. CKIs across five sectors (education, food, healthcare, family-service, and Extension) were interviewed, and 38 met the study inclusion criteria of discussing organizational connection to the food system during their inter­view. Interview questions explored partnerships, supports, challenges, and organizational lessons learned while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team used a collaborative and itera­tive approach to coding the interview transcripts. After inductive coding, codes were grouped by similarity and alignment with theory-driven organi­zational action to identify themes specific to food systems. CKIs shared strategies to address rural food needs that were shaped by factors such as rural community stressor, conditions and charac­teristics, formal and informal community network structures, social capital, community capacity, and rural food systems resilience. The findings high­light the capacity of rural community organizations to collaborate to enhance food security during a community stressor. It is crucial for rural food systems to integrate these insights and strategies into their practices to effectively prepare for and tackle future challenges.