Food deserts in the United States

Food Deserts in the United States

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A well-stocked fruit section in a grocery store, often lacking in food deserts.

Food deserts are areas in the United States where access to affordable, healthy food options is limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are too far away. These areas are often found in impoverished urban neighborhoods and rural areas. The lack of access to nutritious food can lead to poor diets and health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Definition

The term "food desert" refers to regions where residents have limited access to a variety of healthy and affordable food. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the creation of food deserts:

• Economic Factors: Low-income areas may not attract grocery stores due to perceived low profitability.
• Transportation: Lack of public transportation can make it difficult for residents to travel to areas with better food options.
• Urban Planning: Poor urban planning can lead to the clustering of fast food outlets and convenience stores, which do not offer healthy food options.

Impact on Health

Residents of food deserts often rely on convenience stores and fast food, which offer limited healthy options. This can lead to:

• Obesity: High-calorie, low-nutrient foods contribute to weight gain.
• Diabetes: Poor diet increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Disease: Diets high in processed foods can lead to cardiovascular issues.

Geographic Distribution

Food deserts are prevalent in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, they are often found in neighborhoods with high poverty rates. In rural areas, the issue is compounded by the distance to the nearest grocery store.

Data on food deserts in the United States.

Solutions

Efforts to combat food deserts include:

• Community Gardens: Encouraging local food production.
• Mobile Markets: Bringing fresh produce to underserved areas.
• Policy Changes: Incentivizing grocery stores to open in food deserts.

Also see

• Food security
• Nutrition in the United States
• Public health
• Urban planning

References

• United States Department of Agriculture. "Food Deserts." Accessed October 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Health Effects of Food Deserts." Accessed October 2023.