While many of us have plentiful access to healthy food options such as fresh produce, this is a convenience that some people can’t enjoy. Many cities in the United States are considered food deserts, which are geographic areas where residents’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables is either limited or completely non-existent due to the lack of nearby grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and produce stands.
How is it that possible? In these areas, often declining local economies have driven stores away, thus requiring long commutes just for a single shopping trip. Due to the limited access, much of the food obtained is via fast food chains and convenience stores that are limited in their healthy food choices. The following are 10 examples of food deserts right here in the United States. Some may surprise you:
- Detroit, Michigan
- San Francisco, California
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Chicago, Illinois
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Seattle, Washington
- Camden, New Jersey
- Indianapolis, Indiana
As you can see, food deserts are prevalent even in some of the largest cities. Do you live in a food desert?