Combatting Food Deserts: What They Are and How You Can Help

What?

Food deserts, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are “low-income tracts in which a substantial number or proportion of the population has low access to supermarkets or large grocery stores.” In simpler terms, food deserts are areas where getting to a grocery store with healthy options and affordable prices is a challenge. The specific characteristics vary between each desert, where transportation, socioeconomic status and demographics play a huge role.

Where?

Right now, there are about 6,500 food deserts in the U.S. Areas with a higher poverty rate, a higher minority population and little to no public transportation are more likely to become food deserts. In addition to these findings by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is a positive correlation between southern states and the density of food deserts in that region.

Who?

Food deserts influence family dynamics in numerous ways. Without proper access to grocery stores, people who live in these areas are more likely to go to convenience stores with much fewer options. The options that are available are generally less healthy, and do not contain nutritious fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Before encouraging others to eat healthier, we have to realize that some people don’t have the means to.

When?

The term “food desert” wasn’t coined until the late 1990s, but they’ve existed for much longer. From the founding of the colonies to the growth of our largest cities, there have always been some areas where access to quality food is not the same. Historically, food deserts have been present in communities of color, low-income communities, areas with low populations and rural regions.

How?

We can help eliminate food deserts. The first step is raising awareness — bringing up the topic at home or at work can shed light on the issue, leading to solutions to fix it. Advocating for more food banks, better transportation and donations to pantries in the area can also help those in immediate need. Food deserts aren’t a new threat, but by using new methods, we can help eliminate hunger in these neighborhoods.