Access to affordable, nutritious food is limited in “food deserts”

Individual Author(s) / Organizational Author
Ver Ploeg, Michele
Publisher
USDA/ERS
Date
March 2010
Abstract / Description

Some neighborhoods in the United States, particularly those in low-income areas, have been dubbed “food deserts” because residents do not live near supermarkets or other food retailers that carry affordable and nutritious food. Low-income residents of these neighborhoods and those who lack transportation rely more on smaller neighborhood stores that may not carry healthy foods or may offer them only at higher prices. 

A lack of healthy options could lead to poor diets and to diet-related conditions such as obesity or diabetes. If low-income households in food deserts can only purchase food at higher prices, they may be more prone to food insecurity—not having enough food for active, healthy living. (author introduction) 

Artifact Type
Application
Reference Type
Blog
Geographic Focus
Rural
P4HE Authored
No
Topic Area
Policy and Practice » Services & Programs