Visualizing Food Deserts

WHAT ARE FOOD DESERTS?

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to nutritious and affordable food. According to the USDA, a food desert in an urban area is somewhere where at least 33% of the population live more than one mile from a grocery story. In rural areas, at least 33% of the population must live more than 10 miles from a grocery store.

With the onset of the pandemic, the situation in food deserts all around the country has exacerbated. Cut back grocery store operating hours and limited public transportation have revealed the severity of food deserts.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT?

Food deserts disproportionally affect low income areas with high levels of unemployment and inadequate public transportation. Areas with these characteristics often have a low number of food detailers offering healthy options at affordable prices. Residents often have to pay 10-40% more for food items in these areas.

Studies show that those who live more than a mile from a supermarket are 25-46% less likely to have a healthy diet. Without access to healthy foods, residents of food deserts may be at higher risk of diet-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

WHAT CAN WE DO?