CoBank

Food Deserts in Rural America Expose Need for Broader Distribution Strategies

October 10, 2023 CoBank

Food insecurity remains prevalent in the U.S. with sparsely-populated rural areas often being disproportionally affected. Rural communities comprise 63% of all U.S. counties but 87% of counties with the highest food insecurity rates. The primary challenge for rural residents is the prevalence of low-access food deserts, where the distance to supermarkets impedes the ability of consumers to access a wide range of food and beverage options. …

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Struggle to Maintain Early Momentum

August 15, 2023 CoBank

U.S. consumers remain interested in plant-based meat alternatives, but higher prices have led many prospective return consumers to taper off their purchases. The price of plant-based meats is often several dollars a pound higher than for equivalent meat and poultry products. Beyond cost, lingering negative perceptions surrounding taste, value and versatility are also obstacles the category has yet to overcome.  …

Seaboard Foods Donates to Rural High School STEM and Ag Programs with CoBank Matched Funds

October 7, 2022 Seaboard Foods

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to grow twice as quickly as other industries, Seaboard Foods contributed $38,300 to several rural high schools where it operates to fund industrial arts programs and equipment. Several of the donations were made in partnership with CoBank’s Sharing Success Program which funds community and educational efforts in rural America.  …

Rising Retail Prices Will Increasingly Test Consumers’ Appetite for Meat

April 29, 2022 CoBank

U.S. consumer demand for retail meat remains exceptionally strong despite higher prices stemming from increased production costs and supply chain limitations. However, once the full effects of producer price inflation finally hit retail meat cases, consumer demand for meat will be tested again, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. …

CoBank Quarterly: U.S. Economic Recovery Hinges on Virus Control and Consumer Confidence

July 20, 2020 CoBank

While chicken producers have been able to manage through their production disruptions, demand and prices have been volatile. Concern within the beef sector is now shifting from supply to demand. …