In contrast to homelessness in urban areas, rural homelessness is less visible, and its victims face unique challenges due to a sparse population that results in fewer available services.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture describes a food desert as: a neighborhood or town without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these communities may have no food access or are served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options.