Food Deserts

Food deserts are classified as areas where residents access to affordable, healthy food options is restricted or does not even exist due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance. Recent research shows that about 2.3 million people (or 2.2% of all US households) live more than one mile away from a supermarket and do not have a car. In urban areas, access to public transportation may be helpful, however, in recent years, there has been a decline of grocery stores in urban areas. 

 

Another key factor of food deserts is socioeconomic. It may come as no surprise that food deserts are primarily in lower income areas. Furthermore, even if there is a supermarket, it will often have less selection compared to those in areas with a higher average income.

 

When classifying a food desert, it does not always mean any sort of food is completely unavailable. Rather, there is an overabundance of fast food chains that have a high volume of options that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. Processed foods (such as snack cakes, chips, and soda) typically sold by corner delis, convenience stores, and liquor stores can also be common. 

 

While these choices may seem good for the short term, there can be long term consequences. Those living in food deserts face statistically higher rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to the overall population.