C3.01 - Oral: Using Healthy Eating Research to Promote Nutrition and Health Equity in Rural Mississippi Food Pantries

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn strategies for tackling food insecurity in rural Mississippi through a three-part training-RISE: Rural Initiative for Sustainable Eating covering Healthier Eating Research (HER) guidelines, the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) model, and food policy development.. Discover how food pantries in rural Mississippi have adopted a color-coded system—green, yellow, and red—to guide clients toward healthier food choices.

Learn about the key steps for successful implementation: training staff and volunteers, assessing inventory, sourcing nutritious foods, engaging clients, and monitoring outcomes. With educational materials, clients are empowered to make informed choices that support their health. Feedback from clients and food pantry operators has been positive, highlighting increased awareness of nutrition’s role in well-being. This approach provides a scalable model for improving nutritional equity and health in underserved communities across the nation.

Detailed abstract description: Why attend this presentation? You’ll gain insights into an impactful and actionable model to address food insecurity and health disparities in rural Mississippi. Food insecurity is an urgent issue in these communities, where nearly 20% of households struggle to access nutritious food. This presentation will show you how the Healthier Eating Research (HER) guidelines and the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) model are being effectively implemented to help solve this crisis.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

1. Real-World Application of HER Guidelines and SWAP Model
Learn how the SWAP model—a color-coded system that categorizes food based on nutritional quality—is used to make healthier food choices easier for food pantry clients. You’ll see how this straightforward approach empowers clients to make informed decisions, promoting long-term healthy eating habits.
2. Practical Steps for Implementation
Discover the five key steps taken rural Mississippi food pantries and one food bank to align with HER guidelines. From training staff to sourcing healthier foods, client engagement, and ongoing monitoring, you’ll gain a roadmap that could be replicated in other regions. Each step is designed for real-world implementation and addresses common barriers that food pantries face, such as limited funding and logistical challenges.
3. Community Impact and Success Stories
Hear about the positive outcomes these pantries are already seeing. Feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive, with food pantry operators and clients reporting improved food choices, clearer nutritional guidance, and greater awareness about the benefits of a nutritious diet. These stories provide concrete examples of how the model is transforming lives and empowering communities to take charge of their health.
4. Data-Driven Results and Evaluation
Understand the monitoring and evaluation processes used to assess the model’s effectiveness. By examining the types of food distributed, client satisfaction, and shifts in dietary habits, you’ll see how measurable outcomes can drive ongoing improvements and validate the impact on health equity.
5. A Framework for Replication and Expansion
This presentation doesn’t just focus on rural Mississippi. The framework demonstrated here offers a scalable model that could be applied in other regions facing similar food security challenges. You’ll leave with actionable insights and ideas that could help other communities improve access to nutritious foods and promote health equity.

Why It Matters
Attending this presentation means engaging with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to a critical issue. You’ll learn how local food pantries can do more than just address hunger—they can contribute to long-term health outcomes in underserved communities. Whether you’re a health professional, community leader, or advocate for food security, this session provides the tools and inspiration needed to make a real difference.