Rural residents of the United States experience high rates of food insecurity due to numerous intersecting barriers; this results in higher rates of diet-related chronic disease compared to their urban counterparts. This thesis characterizes existing models of community-based rural food access programs in the Southeast United States. This foundation is intended to act as a supporting resource to rural communities that seek to establish similar programs.Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews on 12 rural food access programs. Data were analyzed to identify and characterize current models according to their structures and guiding values. Results focus on the characteristics of four program models: Charity Model, Support Model, Restructure Model, and Market Model. Also included is advice for other communities in the Southeast seeking to initiate programs to increase the availability and accessibility of locally-sourced fruit and vegetables for low-income residents.
