CRANE POLICY CHAT RECAP: Child Care in Rural Communities

October 2023

In our first-ever Crane Policy Chat, associate director Jamie O’Leary sat down with Dr. Shoshanah Inwood, associate professor of rural sociology in Ohio State’s School of Environment and Natural Resources, to discuss child care challenges in rural America. Dr. Inwood, a former farmer herself, talked about the current Farm Bill, her research that brought this systemic issue to the forefront of national conversations, and her role in helping the U.S. Congress understand its importance.

 

Resources

Dr. Inwood co-authored this article “Family farms are struggling with two hidden challenges: health insurance and child care” that was published by The Conversation.

Child care has been silently crushing women farmers for generations. That may change soon.” was published by The 19th discussing the proposed Farm Bill.

Additional references shared

A look at the number of farms in the U.S. by the USDA.

A look at the approach taken by Allen County in Ohio to address the child care crisis.

A brief look at the Farm Bill.