Americas approximately 19 million residents reside in regions classified as food deserts: This term refers to areas where access to nutritious, affordable food is limited or non-existent.

Americas approximately 19 million residents reside in regions classified as food deserts: This term refers to areas where access to nutritious, affordable food is limited or non-existent.

In the land of the free and home of the brave, there reside nearly 19 million individuals who struggle to find fresh, nutritious, and affordable grub - a grim reality known as food deserts. Here's the skinny on why these neighborhoods are a pain in the ass, and what you can do about it.

Life in the U.S is all about keeping it real, right? But when it comes to healthy choices, is that option even a choice for everyone? Obesity is a looming health issue in the U.S., with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers lurking around the corner. While personal habits and snacking choices matter, access to wholesome eats plays a significant part in shaping these habits and driving up those troublesome numbers on the scale.

Food deserts aren't barren wastelands, but they sure as hell lack the essentials - reliable access to healthier foods that don't break the bank. No grocery stores, supermarkets, or large chain superstores nearby? Then you can bet your last slice of pizza that you're living in a food desert (and healthy eating is gonna feel more like a pipe dream than a basic right).

So, sit back, relax, and let Hers fill you in on this smelly situation. This guide takes a deep dive into what food deserts are, why they're a widespread issue, and how you can take action - all you need is a cup of coffee and maybe a chocolate chip cookie to start.

*What's a food desert, you ask? A food desert, sometimes referred to as a grocery desert, is a neighborhood that's lacking something crucial: access to healthy, affordable quinoa, fresh fruit, lean protein, and other goodness you can toss in your shopper from Whole Foods.

But how do these communities get that title? The United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service defines them as "low-income, low-access."

Here's the lowdown on how that breaks down:

• Low-income: A poverty rate of 20% or more or a median family income of less than 80% of the area's average.
• Low-access: At least 500 people or at least 33% of residents live more than a mile from the nearest supermarket in urban areas - or more than 10 miles in rural ones.

A hood needs access to a supercenter, supermarket, or full-scale grocery store to avoid being labeled a food desert.

Translation: No complete grocery store nearby, and if there's no car or sketchy public transportation, then eating real, nutritious grub becomes a challenging mission.

*Okay, but where are these food deserts most prevalent? In 2008, the United States Congress pushed the USDA to map out food desert territory and its impact on public health. The research highlighted that food deserts are primarily concentrated in low-income neighborhoods and disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities. This isn't rented land - it's systemic inequality that shapes these foodborne barriers.

Gentrification, deindustrialization, disinvestment, redlining, and corporate food systems prioritizing profit over people's tummies are the main culprits behind food deserts. It's not just about geography - it can be a reflection of policies that favor profit over people.

*Let's take Hartford, Connecticut, as an example to better grasp the complexities of food insecurity issues. Hartford has supermarkets and farmers' markets, but they're primarily in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods. Full-service grocery stores are becoming harder to find in Hartford's low-income areas and predominantly Black communities. This practice, called supermarket redlining, involves large grocery chains dodging or vacating low-income, largely Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

Want to know the kicker? Between 1968 and 1984, 11 out of 13 chain supermarkets exited Hartford, resulting in an 85% drop in less than two decades. More closures followed in recent years. Sound familiar? It's a pattern that has left thousands of people without reliable access to fresh food.

Now, let's discuss terms commonly used to chat about food inequality: food apartheid, food insecurity, and food swamps. Food apartheid* is a term adopted by food- and racial-justice advocates. They argue that it more accurately points to the systems upholding these inequalities rather than the term "food desert," which, let's be real, makes the whole situation seem less intentional.

"Food apartheid" aims to underline the policies and practices that create and reinforce divisions, separating some folks from access to fresh, nourishing fare while others dine on foodie oasis options.

"Food insecurity" is a broader term that refers to people or families who don't have consistent access to enough healthy food to meet their nutritional needs. Food prices, distance to supermarkets, and even availability can all contribute to food insecurity. It's more than just an empty fridge - it's a vicious cycle dug deep by socioeconomic factors and policy decisions.

"Food swamps," on the other hand, are dense concentrations of fast food, dollar stores, and unhealthy food options (a.k.a. the munchie-mobile's paradise). These neighborhoods may have access to food, but it's not exactly the nutritious kind. Here's a not-so-fun fact: Studies have linked food swamps to higher rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.[4]

Sound familiar? Well, there's more to it. According to a 2023 study, counties with high food swamp scores have a staggering 77% increased risk of obesity-related cancer mortality - a stronger association than food deserts face.[4] Yikes!

*So, what's the scoop on food deserts' impact on health? Diet is the number one driver of obesity in the U.S., and socioeconomic status and education level are powerful predictors of eating habits.[5] It's no secret that healthy, fresh food tends to be expensive and that education is crucial for understanding nutrition and making informed dietary choices.

Living in a food desert, however, accentuates those disparities. Without access to fresh, nutritious grub or knowledge about nutrition and health outcomes, individuals may opt for cheaper, less healthy options and end up facing higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health woes. And to make matters worse, many of the same communities are also pharmacy deserts - places where access to necessary medications for chronic conditions like high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes is limited, creating a vicious cycle.[1][2]

*Got concerns about staying healthy in a food desert? No worries, we've got some practical advice that can help you make the most of things:

• Vegetables: If fresh veggies are scarce, consider frozen or canned options without added salt or sugar. When it comes to fruit, frozen choices may be more economical and last longer.
• Protein: Opt for protein-rich foods like tuna, eggs, or dried beans to stay full and support muscle maintenance without breaking the bank. Seek out items with minimal processing.
• Processed foods: Try to limit them. Choose the least-processed options that fit your budget and storage space – whole-grain bread or brown rice can be healthier than their refined counterparts. And instead of resorting to sugary drinks, quench your thirst with H2O – it helps manage weight and provides zilch of the nutritional downsides found in sodas.
• Bulk buys: If you can bulk-buy, opt for affordable, nutritious items like brown rice, beans, lentils, or oats that can last a long time. If bulk isn't an option, think about buying larger packs of nonperishable items and storing them to save some dough.
• Save money: Explore corner stores for affordable, convenience-food options like eggs, yogurt, canned soups, or mixed nuts.
• Get green-fingered: If you have access to a community garden (perhaps at a local school) or even a few pots on your balcony or windowsill, consider growing your own herbs or vegetables – even small-scale gardening can provide fresh, local produce and reduce reliance on processed foods.
• Piggyback off local food initiatives: Lucky for you, many farmers' markets and urban farms accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Some food banks and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs offer sliding-scale options, helping make fresh produce more affordable.
• Leverage local food banks and pantries: Some food banks partner with farms and grocery stores to distribute produce, dairy, and meat. Many food banks also offer "healthy food boxes" with fresh produce and meal kits tailored to promote nutrition.

*Now that you know the lowdown on food deserts, it's time to strike a blow against these inequities. If you live in a food desert, remember this: healthy eating is still up for grabs, and there are programs and resources out there willing to lend a hand.[1][2]

If you don't live in a food desert but want to help out, consider volunteering for or supporting programs like Double Up Food Bucks, AmpleHarvest.org, the National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Wholesome Wave, WhyHunger, Food First, Community Food Advocates, Healthy Food America, the Food Policy Networks at Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, the National Right to Food Community of Practice, the Chef Ann Foundation, and Roots of Change.

Stay informed on the cause and let your voice be heard. Together, we can make a difference!

References:1. Reuters (2018). "Why do Americans living in food deserts have higher rates of obesity?" Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-obesity-food/why-do-americans-living-in-food-deserts-have-higher-rates-of-obesity-idUSKCN1NN2QZ2. American Public Health Association (n.d.). "Policy Actions to Address Food Insecurity and Their Social Determinants." Retrieved from https://www.apha.org/ssig/food/upload/Food_Security_Environmental_Scans.pdf3. Buettner, R. (2018). "How Consumers Are Combating America's Food Deserts." Retrieved from https://www.nsnpartnership.org/news/posts/how-consumers-are-combatting-america-s-food-deserts4. Lone Star Food Bank (n.d.). "Food Deserts and Food Swamps." Retrieved from https://visualizevalue.org/topics/View/Sources/Food-Deserts-and-Food-Swamps5. American Psychological Association (2013). "Obesity tied to socioeconomic factors: Environmental, policy factors need addressing." Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/06/obesity-socioeconomic.aspx

1. Food deserts, also known as grocery deserts, lack essentials like fresh fruit, lean protein, and healthy options typically found in stores like Whole Foods.
2. To be classified as a food desert, a neighborhood must have a poverty rate of 20% or more or a median family income of less than 80% of the area's average, and at least 500 people or 33% of residents must live more than a mile from a supermarket in urban areas, or more than 10 miles in rural ones.
3. Without a complete grocery store nearby and limited transportation options, healthy eating can become challenging in food deserts.
4. Food deserts are primarily concentrated in low-income neighborhoods and disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities.
5. Gentrification, deindustrialization, disinvestment, redlining, and corporate food systems prioritizing profit over people's health are some reasons behind food deserts.
6. In Hartford, Connecticut, supermarkets and farmers' markets are primarily found in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods, while less-accessible options exist in low-income areas and predominantly Black communities.
7. Supermarket redlining, the practice of large grocery chains avoiding low-income, largely Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, has contributed to the lack of full-service grocery stores in these communities.
8. Food apartheid is a term adopted by food- and racial-justice advocates to underline the systems that create and reinforce inequalities in access to fresh, nutritious food.
9. Food insecurity refers to people or families who don't have consistent access to enough healthy food to meet their nutritional needs, and can result from factors like food prices, distance to supermarkets, and even availability.
10. Food swamps are dense concentrations of fast food, dollar stores, and unhealthy food options.
11. Diet is the number one driver of obesity in the U.S., and socioeconomic status and education level are powerful predictors of eating habits.
12. Living in a food desert accentuates those disparities, leading to higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health woes.
13. Counties with high food swamp scores have a staggering 77% increased risk of obesity-related cancer mortality.
14. In a food desert, consider frozen or canned vegetables without added salt or sugar, and opt for protein-rich foods like tuna, eggs, or dried beans.
15. Choose the least-processed options that fit your budget and storage space, and limit processed foods as much as possible.
16. Quench your thirst with water instead of sugary drinks to help manage weight and reduce health risks.
17. If you can bulk-buy, opt for affordable, nutritious items like brown rice, beans, lentils, or oats that can last a long time.
18. Explore corner stores for more affordable, convenience-food options like eggs, yogurt, canned soups, or mixed nuts.
19. If you have access to a community garden or even a few pots on your balcony or windowsill, consider growing your own herbs or vegetables to reduce reliance on processed foods.
20. Many farmers' markets and urban farms accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, so taking advantage of local food initiatives can help make fresh produce more affordable.
21. Some food banks and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs offer sliding-scale options.
22. Leverage local food banks and pantries that distribute produce, dairy, and meat and offer "healthy food boxes" tailored to promote nutrition.
23. If you don't live in a food desert, consider volunteering for or supporting programs like Double Up Food Bucks, AmpleHarvest.org, the National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Wholesome Wave, WhyHunger, Food First, Community Food Advocates, Healthy Food America, the Food Policy Networks at Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, the National Right to Food Community of Practice, the Chef Ann Foundation, and Roots of Change.
24. Stay informed on the food desert issue and let your voice be heard to make a difference.
25. Reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy could help combat climate change and improve food systems.
26. Investing in sustainable manufacturing, such as zero-waste operations, can lessen environmental impact and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
27. A green lifestyle also encompasses cooking nutritious meals using global cuisines and dining on foods with environmental benefits.
28. Collaborative initiatives between entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the private sector can create solutions to food deserts and promote health and wellness for all.

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