Definition

A food desert, per the Food Empowerment Project, is “a geographic area where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance.” It may be further characterized by an abundance of corner stores, which more frequently stock nonperishable (and generally less nutritious) items. Food deserts are commonly found in and associated with lower-income, often predominantly Black and brown communities, particularly in areas where transportation options and car ownership are limited. It contrasts with the term “food oasis,” which refers to an abundance of supermarkets and a variety of types of grocery stores.

Additional resources

• Food Deserts (Food Empowerment Project)
• Food Deserts and the Causes of Nutritional Inequality (National Bureau of Economic Research)
• What Happens When a ‘Food Desert’ Gets an Oasis? (Rand Corporation)

Summary

A food desert is an area with limited access to fresh food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. Food deserts are commonly found in and associated with lower-income, often predominantly Black and brown communities, particularly in areas where transportation options and car ownership are limited. It contrasts with the term “food oasis,” which refers to an abundance of supermarkets and a variety of types of grocery stores. It’s important context to mention systemic factors that contribute to the existence of food deserts and food oases, and how lack of access to affordable, healthy food is related to health issues such as increased instances of obesity and heart disease.

Related terms

• neighborhood
• poor/low-income
• inner city
• social determinants of health
• poverty
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)