Food Desert Research Paper

Words: 584
Pages: 3

Food Deserts Impact on Food Access Even with food delivery and assistance programs thirty-three percent of people living in the U.S. do not have easy access to food. This can cause many health issues and people are able to live a long, happy life. Where you live has a large impact on your ability to buy and eat healthy food. Areas called food deserts are places where residents struggle to consume nutritious foods. Living in a food desert can cause food insecurity because of a shortage of healthy food, overly expensive food, and living too far away from grocery stores. One reason for food insecurity is simply a lack of healthy food. “Counties near the Rio Grande, Appalachia, and Mississippi Delta have rates exceeding 20 percent.” (Gunderson) These …show more content…
The outcome is a lot of spoiled or rotten food. This means there isn't enough healthy food provided for everyone in that area. Secondly, the distance you live from a grocery store is another way food access is heavily impacted. “2.3 million Americans live over one mile away from a grocery store and did not own a car to get them there.” (Tulane University) Many people living in the U.S. have difficulty getting food due to living too far away from a grocery store or supermarket. They are forced to walk or use public transit to access food. In these situations, transporting large amounts of food to support a family for even a week is a huge struggle. Tulane University Social Work also explains that in rural areas, residents tend to get food from small markets or convenience stores. These places usually have less healthy food and more junk food. With this low variety of nutritious foods, people end up purchasing unhealthy food, which can lead to health problems. The most important factor in food access in food deserts is income. The amount of money a household receives directly impacts the amount and quality of food that is