Let's Talk About Food Deserts: America's Surprising Nutrition Nightmare
Almost 19 million citizens in the United States reside in areas where access to nutritious and affordable food is limited, commonly referred to as food deserts.
We love chatting about healthy eats - more greens, less sugar, fewer processed goods. But guess what? Not everyone's got the same shot at that chips'n'kale dream.
Obesity is on the rise in the good ol' USA, and it's connected to some serious health risks, like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Personal choices matter, but so does access to nutritious grub - or lack thereof.
You might be surprised to know that nearly 19 million Americans live in what we call "food deserts." These are areas where finding fresh, affordable, healthy food is difficult, even impossible for some - turning healthy eating into a luxury instead of a basic human right.
In this guide, we're gonna let you in on the real deal about food deserts, how they come to be, and what you can do - whether you live in one or just wanna make a positive impact on a friend's life.
The Nitty-Gritty: What are Food Deserts?
So, what makes a neighborhood a food desert? Simply put, it's a community that doesn't have easy, cheap access to fresh veggies, fruits, and other yummy, nutritious grub.
The term probably started popping up a few decades ago when researchers started digging into how inequality affects food availability. Today, the USDA Economic Research Service defines food deserts as "low-income, low-access" areas.
Here's what that means:
- Low-Income: Bing bong - a poverty rate of 20% or more, or minimum income at or below 80% of the local average.
- Low-Access: One of these two situations gotta be true: Either 500 people or 33% of residents are a mimic away from the closest superstore (or large grocery store) in urban areas, or a full-on 10-mile drive in rural zones.
If your neighborhood's not got at least one supercenter, supermarket, or giant grocery store close by, it's safe to say it's a food desert. And if you ain't got a car or decent public transit, eating like a champ becomes a major struggle.
Where do Food Deserts Hang Out?
The US Congress had a moment in 2008, asking the USDA to create a map showing food deserts and how they impact public health. The research spilled the beans on a few important facts:
- Most food deserts are concentrated in low-income 'hoods, and they hit Black and Hispanic communities especially hard.
- It's no accident; it's all about gentrification, deindustrialization, disinvestment, redlining, and profit-loving food corporations. That means food deserts ain't just geography - they're policies at work.
Digging Deeper: Research on Food Inequality
To really get a grip on food deserts, it helps to check out some specific examples. Here's a peek at food access issues in Hartford, Connecticut, where researchers have been digging deep for a while.
Though Hartford's town has supermarkets and farmers' markets, they're mostly in swankier, whiter neighborhoods. Full-service grocery stores are disappearing from Hartford's poorer, primarily Black ’hoods, a situation known as supermarket redlining. Between 1968 and 1984, 11 out of 13 chain supermarkets bailed on Hartford - an 85% drop inunder two decades! There's been more closures more recently, too.
Different Ways to Describe Food Inequality
We've been talking about "food deserts" and "low-income, low-access," but there are a few other terms that come up when we discuss food inequality.
Food Apartheid
"Food Apartheid" caught the eyes of many food and racial-justice advocates. Why? Well, "food desert" can sound like a natural thing, while "food apartheid" points the finger at the evildoers keeping resources away from certain communities.
As Leah Penniman, a food-justice activist, says: "Food apartheid is a human-made system that segregates people and restricts their access to nutritious, fresh foods."
Food Insecurity
"Food Insecurity" is a broader term to describe individuals or families who don't have consistent access to enough nutritious food to stay healthy. Stuff like food being too costly, too far away, or just plain unavailable can lead to food insecurity.
Research shows that food insecurity is tightly linked to residential segregation, implying that deciding who gets Whole Foods and who doesn't ain't random at all - it's the result of old policies and choices.
Food Swamps
Folks talk about "food deserts" because they've got nowhere to go for fresh food. But there are other 'hoods where there's an overload of unhealthy options. These areas - called "food swamps" - have tons of fast-food joints, dollar stores, and places that sell sugary, packaged foods.
Studies have shown that food swamps lead to higher obesity, metabolic disease, and diet-related health disparities.
Yikes! Turns out that most Americans who live in food deserts might also find themselves in food swamps.
Health Effects of Food Deserts
Diet contributes powerfully to obesity in the US, and research shows that socioeconomic status and education level are two of the strongest predictors of dietary habits.
Food deserts ain't making things easier. Without access to fresh, nutritious food and info about nutrition and health, residents often opt for cheaper, less healthy choices. This can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
What's more, many of the same communities are also "pharmacy deserts" - areas with restricted access to necessary meds for chronic conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) and type 2 diabetes, creating a vicious cycle.
Healthy Eating in a Food Desert
Living in a food desert don't mean saying sayonara to healthy eating. Here are some tips for making the most of limited resources:
- Get veggie-rific: If fresh veggies are scarce, try canned or frozen options without added salt or sugar. For fruit, frozen might be cheaper and more affordable.
- Protein patrol: Look for protein-rich foods to keep you full longer and support muscle growth. Think canned tuna, eggs, or dry beans, choosing minimally processed options that fit your budget and fridge space.
- Say no to processed land mines: Opt for the least-processed options available. Go for whole-grain bread over white bread, and brown rice instead of refined grains. Instead of sugar-loaded drinks, reach for water. It'll help with weight management.
- Bulk up: If you can, buy food in bulk. Wholesale stores like Costco or Sam's Club offer affordable goods. If you don't have access to bulk shopping, try buying larger packs of nonperishable goods and storing 'em.
- Maximize the convenience store: Even if you don't have a full-blown grocery store close by, convenience stores often carry cheaper snacks and meal options like hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, canned soups, or mixed nuts.
- Grow your own: If you've got access to a community garden or some balcony or windowsill space, try growing your own herbs, veggies, or fruit.
- Tap into local food initiatives: Some farmers' markets and urban farms accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, making fresh produce more affordable. If joining a Community Supported Agriculture program isn't possible, see if sliding-scale or partnership options with food banks are available.
- Take advantage of local food banks and pantries: Some food banks offer produce, dairy, and meat, or "healthy food boxes." Some are partnered with local farms and grocery stores to increase availability of fresh foods.
Ending Food Deserts for Good
Now you know how food deserts impact folks' diets and health, it's time to take action. Here are some ways to help, whether you're a food desert dweller or an ally:
- Share your surplus: If you got extra food, donate it to local food banks or shelters. Your leftovers can help people and save food from being tossed in the garbage.
- Join gleaning programs: Some farms and organizations gather leftovers to share with those in need. Find a gleaning program in your area and become involved.
- Support food banks and local food pantries: Many food banks depend on donations and volunteers to expand their services. Depending on your situation, you can offer financial support, food donations, or volunteer your valuable time.
- Advocate for policy change: Encourage policies that attack food insecurity, such as zoning laws that bring grocery stores to underserved areas or supporting food-justice initiatives. You can also volunteer for programs for practical ways to help make an impact.
Need some resources to get started? Check out programs like Double Up Food Bucks, AmpleHarvest, National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Wholesome Wave, WhyHunger, Food First, Community Food Advocates, Healthy Food America, and the Food Policy Networks at Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, just to name a few.
Stay hungry for change!
- Science has shown that living in a food desert contributes significantly to the rising obesity rates in America, increasing the risk of health problems like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Despite the popularity of healthy diets and lifestyle choices, many Americans living in food deserts struggle to access fresh, affordable, and nutritious food, turning healthy eating into a luxury instead of a basic human right.
- To make a positive impact, consider supporting local food banks, participating in gleaning programs, or advocating for policy changes that bring grocery stores to underserved areas to combat food deserts.
- In a food desert, healthy cooking and maintaining a healthy diet can still be possible through strategies such as buying canned or frozen vegetables, choosing protein-rich foods, and maximizing the convenience store's offerings.
- Global cuisines can also provide inspirational ideas for healthy meals, so explore new recipes from different cultures and find creative ways to incorporate nutritious foods into your lifestyle, regardless of your location.
