Introduction

In 2022, researchers estimated that nearly 19 million Americans—6% of the population—had limited access to supermarkets. Additionally, 39 million people, or 13% of the U.S. population, were living in low-income areas with restricted access to food. If these numbers concern you, they should.

You might be wondering: Why does this matter? What does it all mean? The term that describes this issue is “food desert.” But before we can address food deserts, we need to understand food insecurity.

Food insecurity refers to the limited or unreliable access to food due to financial challenges. In other words, low-income families struggle to afford basic nutrition.

A food desert takes food insecurity a step further. According to the USDA, food deserts are areas where people live more than a mile from a supermarket in urban settings, and more than 10 miles away in rural areas.

Food Desert

Food deserts disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities, as well as rural Indigenous communities. They also affect individuals living in low-income neighborhoods or those at or below the poverty line. It’s no coincidence that many Americans living in poverty also experience food insecurity, and nearly half of those individuals live in food deserts. It seems like part of the larger cycle of poverty in America.

Food deserts aren’t about a lack of food—they’re about limited access to healthy food. This issue is especially common in areas with higher poverty rates, neighborhoods with a larger population of people of color, and rural American Indian and Alaskan Native communities based on research.

Several factors contribute to the creation of food deserts. These areas are often dominated by convenience stores, fast-food chains, and gas stations. Historical racism, lack of transportation, and income inequality all play a role in maintaining these food deserts. Additionally, supermarkets tend to open in wealthier neighborhoods, driven by uneven urban development policies.

In food deserts, while some food is available, it’s typically found in places like convenience stores and fast-food outlets. These locations may offer a few healthy options, but most of the food is highly processed, sugary, loaded with preservatives and salt, and lacking in fresh produce.

Impact of Food Deserts 

Health

Lack of access to fresh, healthy foods can significantly reduce the quality of life. It affects not only individual health but also the economic state of communities and overall socioeconomic status.

When fresh food is unavailable, the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and nutritional deficiencies increases. These conditions can worsen existing health issues or lead to new ones. For women, it can impact fertility and increase the risk of premature birth, birth defects, and even premature death.

Without access to fresh food, people develop unhealthy eating habits. While habits are hard to break, those living in food deserts often rely on fast food and convenience stores, making unhealthy eating habits apart of their daily life.

Economy 

On the other hand, food deserts also impact the economy. In my opinion, they exist to keep the poverty cycle alive. Why? Picture this: you drive through a community filled with fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and liquor stores, but not a single grocery store or supermarket in sight. What’s the first thought that comes to mind? “This is the hood,” “the ghetto,” or simply, “a poor neighborhood.”

Now, think about what top-dollar investors are considering. They assume their stores won’t thrive, fearing high theft rates or rundown conditions. So, they choose to invest in wealthier areas, leaving low-income neighborhoods without access to fresh, healthy food—or the economic boost that comes with it.

How does this affect the economy? Food deserts give the impression that property values are low in these neighborhoods, though that’s not always true. This perception prevents community growth, forcing low-income families to travel long distances for fresh food or move to areas with better access. This cycle keeps low-income communities trapped in poverty, generation after generation.

Social Inequity 

Food deserts are both a symptom and a catalyst of systemic racism, particularly affecting low-income communities and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Their existence is rooted in historical injustices like redlining, discriminatory practices, and uneven urban development policies. These factors segregate minority populations and underfund their neighborhoods. As a result, these policies discourage business investments, including the development of grocery stores and supermarkets.

Research shows that African American and Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by food deserts and food insecurity. Since many low-income neighborhoods consist of racial and ethnic minorities, they suffer the most from these challenges. The reason these groups are disproportionately impacted is tied to systemic racism, which continues to shape the economic and social landscapes of minority communities in America.

How to Identify a Food Desert 

• In urban areas, a food desert is typically defined as a place where people live more than one mile from a grocery store or supermarket. In rural areas, the distance extends to more than 10 miles.
• Food deserts are often located in low-income areas where a significant portion of the population lives at or below the poverty line. This reduces their ability to afford fresh, healthy food.
• Even if there is a supermarket within a few miles, lack of access to reliable transportation (public transit, personal vehicles) can turn the area into a food desert.
• Food deserts are characterized by a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Instead, they are filled with convenience stores and fast-food outlets offering mostly processed, unhealthy options.
• An area dominated by fast food chains, convenience stores, and gas stations—without a major grocery store nearby—is a strong indicator of a food desert.

Causes of Food Desert

• Poverty
• Transportation
• Historical Racsim
• Supermarket Redlining
• Food Distribution System
• Income Inequity

How to Help Combat Food Deserts 

Community Action

Local initiatives do more than just provide food—they empower communities to take control of their food systems, create sustainable solutions to food insecurity, and build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

By getting involved, you’re not only helping to combat food deserts but also promoting food sovereignty—the right of people to access healthy, culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods.

Start small by participating in a community garden, shopping at farmers markets, and coming together and creating food co-ops. Every effort counts, and together, we can ensure everyone has access to the fresh, nutritious food they deserve.

Advocate for Change

Advocating for policies that promote better food access in underserved areas can have a long-lasting impact on communities affected by food deserts.

Research the causes and effects of food deserts in your area. Familiarize yourself with local policies and the challenges residents face regarding food access. Use resources like the USDA Food Access Research Atlas to identify food deserts nearby.

Start conversations with neighbors, friends, and community members about the importance of improving food access. Organize informational sessions or partner with local organizations to spread awareness

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and addressing food deserts is crucial for promoting health, economic stability, and social equity in underserved communities. By recognizing the factors that contribute to food deserts, such as geographic and economic barriers, we can take steps to combat them through local initiatives like community gardens, farmers’ markets, and food co-ops.

Supporting local food producers not only provides access to fresh, nutritious food but also strengthens the local economy. Advocacy plays a key role as well—by engaging with local government, pushing for zoning changes, and supporting policies that encourage food access, individuals can make a lasting impact.

Ultimately, through collective action, education, and persistence, we can work toward a future where everyone has access to healthy, affordable food.