Summary

An overview of food insecurity in Tennessee and who is most at risk, shaped by income, employment, disability, education, rural access, and historic inequities that contribute to food deserts. Describes how UT Extension addresses food insecurity through nutrition education and broader policies, systems, and environment work. Offers a practical starting point for communities using a needs assessment, with tools like data review, asset mapping, audits, and pantry or store assessments, plus a simple method to prioritize actions and build momentum.