The goal of this study was to understand better how the level of human resources and the diversion of financial resources away from food are related to the food security status of rural low-income households. A sample of 316 families with children and annual household incomes of less than 200 percent of the Federal poverty line was recruited from 24 rural counties in 14 States. For this study, face-to-face interviews were used to collect quantitative data. Results showed that the mothers who used a greater number of food and financial skills (managing bills, making a budget, stretching groceries, preparing meals) were more likely to have food-secure households, compared with the mothers who used fewer of these skills. Results also revealed that maternal symptoms of depression and reported difficulty paying for medical expenses were related to increased risk of food insecurity. The results are of interest to policymakers and program managers who address food security issues in rural areas of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]