Laurel Harvest: Helping Appalachia Restore A Vibrant Food Environment For Self Sufficiency Together

Abstract Laurel Harvest (Previous Katherine Cardarelli project) Health inequities between rural and urban communities have grown in recent decades, and inequities in obesity and related chronic diseases are particularly prevalent in rural communities. Residing in rural areas is associated with increased access to convenience or fast food options compounded with factors of lower education and nutrition skills, income, or transportation. These challenges are abundant in Appalachian Kentucky, and there is a need to target both social and built environmental factors in order to improve nutritional health outcomes.