By: Nelson Kramer

Local News Editor

For many Americans, a trip to the grocery store sounds like no big deal because we have local access to stores that sell a wide variety of products, such as fresh produce and minimally processed options. However, this is not the case for many across the US, especially citizens who live in rural areas where a trip to the nearest town and grocery store can take up the whole day. Due to the lack of convenience, many must shop at small markets that sell a minimal amount of food at a high price or choose cheaper, less healthy options. These regions where people live far from or don’t have access to an affordable grocery store and don’t have suitable access to nutritious food are called “food deserts.” When it comes down to money, impoverished people in food deserts don’t have the luxury of shopping for food without seriously considering both the cost of groceries and the tradeoff of having to travel greater distances to get to more affordable grocery chains.

Research done by the US Department of Agriculture in the Lower Mississippi Delta concludes, “Over 70 percent of the low-income population in the delta traveled thirty or more miles to purchase groceries at supermarkets in an effort to avoid high-priced smaller grocers and inadequate quality food sold at convenience stores and gas stations.” Food deserts are linked to poorer states or states lacking well-paying jobs, average low minimum wage, and insufficient access to education. However, foods deserts aren’t just limited to rural areas; they also happen in more urban, highly populated communities. The loss of grocery stores can cause food deserts because a company decides to close a location. One study presented a case in Northern Ireland where declining lower-income communities lost access to healthy food because stores around the area were closing. 

Although a lack of education contributes to the poverty rate of food deserts, a lack of education about healthy food choices also contributes to the obesity rate within these areas. Living in the 21st century, we all want quick, convenient, and cheap food. People need help to make the right food decisions because it’s hard to spend time and money driving and paying for gas and food. This is not the fault of the big grocery companies, but the fault of the system. Costco can’t keep one of its stores open in a food desert because there won’t be enough people to hire and, more than likely, a small customer base. Smaller stores must pay more than the majority of stores do to ship food and fresh produce daily, which will inevitably increase prices. 

Addressing food deserts requires a multifaceted approach because the challenges imposed in one area or individual may differ for another. If there isn’t a strong enough driving force for a person to physically or economically inconvenience themselves, they won’t. Educating people on healthy food habits and choices can make health the driving force. Another way to remedy this is to ask local governments to collaborate with businesses and nonprofits to keep stores open and improve accessibility. This ties into bigger businesses being incentivized to partner with local markets, which can significantly reduce the costs of produce and increase access to healthy foods. Overall, government-run programs must prioritize sustainability and scalability for a long-term impact.

(Sources: Remaking the North American Food System, Wisevoter.com)