According to the American Nutrition Association, Food Deserts are geographical areas lacking sufficient access to fresh vegetables, fruits, and affordable, healthy whole foods. These areas are generally impoverished and considered a national crisis. Fortunately, non-profit organizations and government initiatives aim to alleviate this issue for affected Americans.
Food deserts pose significant challenges to residents. The lack of access to nutritious food limits meal options, particularly for individuals with dietary restrictions like gluten allergies or lactose intolerance. Healthy foods are often more expensive than processed options, and smaller stores in food deserts may further inflate prices, making healthy choices unaffordable for many. The time and cost associated with traveling to supermarkets outside the food desert often make fast food a more convenient and appealing option.
The health consequences of living in a food desert are substantial. Studies indicate that residents of food deserts are 55% less likely to have a good-quality diet and have a significantly higher risk of developing diet-related diseases like diabetes. The economic environment also plays a role; families moving to higher-income neighborhoods with better food access often experience a reduced body mass index (BMI).
A 2009 study revealed that 2.3 million Americans, representing 2.2% of households, lacked car ownership and lived more than a mile from a supermarket. In 2006, around 500,000 Chicago residents lived in food deserts, and a 2009 survey found 750,000 New Yorkers faced limited access to healthy food options. These statistics underscore the widespread nature of the problem.
The USDA defines a food desert as an area where at least 20% of residents live below the federal poverty level or where 80% of the median family income is at or below 80% of the surrounding area’s median family income. This definition highlights the socioeconomic factors contributing to the existence of food deserts.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides an average of $29 per week for food. However, food prices are often higher in food deserts due to limited store options. Milk, for instance, is typically cheaper in supermarkets than in smaller stores with limited services. The added cost of transportation to supermarkets outside the food desert, estimated at $5 to $7, further burdens residents.
Several government initiatives aim to improve food access in underserved communities. The Healthy Food Financing Initiative, launched in 2010, supports the development of grocery stores and retailers offering healthy food in urban and rural food deserts. Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign promotes healthier food choices for children, implementing programs like Salad Bars to Schools and increasing funding for school meals.
Non-profit organizations are also actively involved in combating food deserts. Mobile grocery stores, like Fresh Express and the Twin Cities Mobile Market, bring fresh produce directly to underserved communities at affordable prices. These initiatives operate through grants, donations, and sponsorships, bridging the gap in food access.
The USDA’s Choose My Plate program provides guidelines for healthy eating, encouraging reduced consumption of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Online resources like SuperTracker, What’s Cooking?, Portion Distortion, Daily Checklist, and BMI Calculator offer tools for meal planning, tracking dietary intake, and learning about healthy portion sizes. These resources empower individuals to make informed food choices.
The collective efforts of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community initiatives are crucial in addressing the complex issue of food deserts. Continued education, advocacy, and increased awareness will help residents of food deserts make healthier choices and lead to improved well-being.
