Food deserts are geographic areas where access to affordable and healthy food options, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, is limited or nonexistent. This lack of access is often due to the absence of grocery stores within a convenient traveling distance.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts primarily by proximity to food providers. However, this definition can be overly simplistic. It often overlooks other crucial factors like systemic racism, the local cost of living, time constraints, the cultural appropriateness of available foods, and the residents’ ability to grow their own food. Terms like “food apartheid” or “food oppression” more accurately reflect the complex nature of the problem. Still, because “food desert” remains the most widely recognized term, it is crucial to understand what’s a food desert truly means.
According to a report by the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture, approximately 2.3 million people, or 2.2 percent of US households, live more than one mile from a supermarket and do not own a car.
Socioeconomic Factors Define Food Deserts
Beyond geographical constraints, socioeconomic factors play a critical role in defining what’s a food desert. These areas are disproportionately found in low-income communities and black and brown communities, where many residents lack personal vehicles.
Studies reveal a stark disparity:
- Wealthy districts have three times as many supermarkets as poor ones.
- White neighborhoods contain an average of four times as many supermarkets as predominantly black ones.
- Grocery stores in African-American communities are often smaller with a more limited selection.
Residents’ food choices are severely restricted by availability and affordability. Many food deserts are saturated with fast-food chains offering cheap, processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. Corner delis, convenience stores, and liquor stores also contribute to the problem by stocking mainly unhealthy processed snacks.
The Limitations of Government Data
The Food Empowerment Project’s report, “Shining a Light on the Valley of Heart’s Delight (PDF),” highlights the shortcomings of relying solely on US government data to identify food deserts. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), used by federal agencies, categorizes small corner grocery stores together with large supermarkets. This means a community with no supermarket but two corner stores selling liquor and junk food is statistically counted as having two retail food outlets, masking the reality of limited access to healthy food.
Furthermore, convenience stores in these areas often sell single pieces of fruit at inflated prices, taking advantage of customers with limited English proficiency who may hesitate to ask about the cost.
Cultural Appropriateness and Dietary Restrictions
Residents in food deserts also struggle to find culturally appropriate foods and accommodate dietary restrictions. Those with lactose intolerance, gluten allergies, or other specific needs face even greater challenges in the absence of larger chain stores with diverse product offerings. Studies also show that urban residents shopping at small neighborhood stores often pay 3 to 37 percent more for groceries than suburbanites buying the same items at supermarkets.
The High Cost of Healthy Eating
Healthy foods are generally more expensive than unhealthy options, a disparity amplified in food deserts. Between 1989 and 2005, the price of fruits and vegetables in the US increased by nearly 75 percent, while the price of fatty foods decreased by over 26 percent. This inflation puts a strain on all families, but the higher cost of healthy foods often makes them inaccessible to lower-income communities.
Health Consequences of Food Deserts
The long-term health consequences of limited access to healthy foods are significant. These consequences are a primary reason why ethnic minority and low-income populations suffer disproportionately higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other diet-related conditions.
Obesity, regardless of age, increases the risk of serious and potentially fatal health disorders, particularly coronary heart disease and diabetes.
- The incidence of diabetes among US adults doubled between 1996 and 2007.
- Type 2 diabetes, often linked to obesity, accounts for 90 to 95 percent of these cases.
- Type 2 diabetes has increased tenfold among adolescents in the past decade.
The greatest increases in type 2 diabetes rates have occurred among black and brown communities, with Native American youth and African-Americans and Latinos of all age groups experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to whites. These are also the groups most likely to live in food deserts, and research confirms a strong correlation between food insecurity and increased diabetes rates. Studies have found that death rates from diabetes in food deserts can be twice as high as in areas with access to grocery stores.
Heart disease, another major health concern, causes over 2.4 million deaths in the US annually. Diets high in unhealthy fats and LDL cholesterol, common in food deserts, are major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
Community Initiatives and Potential Solutions
Despite the challenges, public awareness of food deserts is growing, fueled by the efforts of community activists, entrepreneurs, and government officials.
Examples of Local Initiatives
- Chicago: With over 500,000 residents living in food deserts, activists have opened food co-ops in underserved areas, offering fresh, organic produce and nutrition classes.
- Los Angeles: In 2008, a moratorium on new fast food outlets was enacted in a 32-square-mile zone in South L.A., followed by financial incentives for grocery stores and healthier restaurants.
- New York City: The Green Carts program brings affordable fresh fruits and vegetables to food deserts while providing jobs for vendors.
What Can You Do If You Live in a Food Desert?
If you recognize that you are living in what’s a food desert, start by educating your community and discussing potential solutions. Consider options like growing your own food, collaborating with local retailers to sell healthy, vegan foods, and advocating for policy changes with city council members and state legislators.
To learn more, connect with others who have worked on this issue. You can also reach out to the Food Empowerment Project for access to their survey.
Ultimately, addressing what’s a food desert entails recognizing the complex interplay of economic, social, and systemic factors that contribute to this injustice. By increasing access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food, communities can empower residents and create healthier, more equitable environments for all.
References:
[1] “Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food: Measuring and Understanding Food Deserts and Their Consequences.” United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. 2009. Retrieved 8/25/17 from https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/42711/12716_ap036_1_.pdf?v=41055
[2] Walsh, Bryan. “It’s Not Just Genetics.” Time. June 12, 2008. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1813984,00.html (3/05/11)
[3] Morland, K., Wing, S., et al. “Neighborhood characteristics associated with the location of food stores and food service places.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine. January 2002, vol. 22(1): p. 23-29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11777675 (3/05/11)
[4] Bullard, Robert D. (editor). Growing Smarter: Achieving Livable Communities, Environmental Justice, and Regional Equity. The MIT Press. 2007. p. 173. ttp://books.google.com/books?id=NAcmSchlTOYC&pg=PA173&lpg=PA173&dq=It+has+been+shown+that+… (3/05/11)
[5] Walsh, Bryan. “It’s Not Just Genetics.” Time. June 12, 2008. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1813984,00.html (3/05/11)
[6] Gallagher, Mari. “Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago.” Study commissioned by LaSalle Bank. 2006. http://www.marigallagher.com/2006/07/18/examining-the-impact-of-food-deserts-on-public-health-in-chicago-july-18-2006/ (8/21/17)
[7] “NHANES data on the Prevalence of Overweight Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 2003–2006.” CDC National Center for Health Statistics. 2010.http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_09_10/obesity_child_09_10.htm (3/05/11)
[8] “Deaths and Mortality.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm (3/05/11)
[9] “Type 2 diabetes: Causes.” Mayo Clinic. 2011. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=causes (3/05/11)
[10] “National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf (5/10/11)
[11] Rates of new diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the rise among children, teens. (2017, April 17). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/rates-new-diagnosed-cases-type-1-type-2-diabetes-rise-among-children-teens
[12] Rates of new diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the rise among children, teens. (2017, April 17). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/rates-new-diagnosed-cases-type-1-type-2-diabetes-rise-among-children-teens
[13] “Diabetes Basics.” American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/ (3/05/11)
[14] Curry, Andrew. “Bringing Healthy Fare to Big-City ‘Food Deserts.’” Diabetes Forecast. December 2009. http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/your-ada/bringing-healthy-fare-big-city-food-deserts (4/17/11)
[15] “The Inextricable Connection Between Food Insecurity and Diabetes.” California Pan-Ethnic Health Network. May 2010. https://cpehn.org/sites/default/files/resource_files/diabetesbrief2010.pdf (9/5/17)
[16] “Deaths and Mortality.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm (3/05/11)
[17] “The Truth About Fats: The Good, the Bad, and the In-Between.” Harvard Health Publications. 2015. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good (9/5/17)
[18] “Heart Disease and African Americans.” The Office of Minority Heatlh. 2010. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=19 (3/05/11)
[19] “QuickFacts: Population Estimates.” U.S. Census Bureau. July 1, 2016. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US#viewtop (8/21/17)
[20] “Childhood Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/ (3/05/11)
[21] “You All Took a Stand.” White House Blog. February 20, 2010. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/02/19/you-all-took-a-stand (4/02/11)
[22] Gallagher, Mari. “Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago.” Study commissioned by LaSalle Bank. 2006. http://www.marigallagher.com/2006/07/18/examining-the-impact-of-food-deserts-on-public-health-in-chicago-july-18-2006/ (8/21/17)
[23] Ogburn, Stephanie. “Would a Walmart solve West Oakland’s and Nashville’s food problems?” Grist. 5 Oct 2010. http://www.grist.org/article/food-2010-10-05-would-a-walmart-solve-oaklands-and-nashvilles-food-problems/PALL/print (4/02/11)
[24] “Neighborhoods of the City of Los Angeles Population & Race 2010 Census.” Los Angeles Almanac. 2010. http://www.laalmanac.com/population/po24la.htm (4/17/11)
[25] Severson, Kim. “Los Angeles Stages a Fast Food Intervention.” The New York Times. August 12, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/dining/13calo.html?scp=16&sq=food%20deserts&st=cse (4/02/11)
[26] Medina, Jennifer. “In South Los Angeles, New Fast-Food Spots Get a ‘No, Thanks.’” The New York Times. January 15, 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/us/16fastfood.html?_r=1(4/02/11)
[27] “Fresh Food for Urban Deserts.” The New York Times. March 20, 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/opinion/21sat4.html?scp=3&sq=food%20deserts&st=cse (4/02/11)
[28] “Going to Market: New York City’s Neighborhood Grocery Store and Supermarket Shortage.” New York City Department of City Planning. 2008. http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/pdf/going_to_market.pdf (8/21/17)
[29] Gordon, C., Purciel-Hill, M., et al. “Measuring food deserts in New York City’s low-income neighborhoods.” Health Place. March 2011. Vol. 17(2), pages 696-700. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21256070 (4/17/11)
[30] McMahon, Jeff. “New York rolls veggie carts into food deserts; can other cities follow?” The New York Times. March 11, 2010. http://jeffmcmahon.com/2010/new-york-green-cart-chicago-farm-fork-financing/ (8/21/17)
