Food Deserts and Health Inequality in Our Communities

Many Black communities are located in food deserts, where access to fresh, healthy food is limited. This leads to nutritional disparities and higher rates of diet-related health issues. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) says Black households are 2.5 times more likely to live in food deserts than White households. In predominantly Black neighborhoods, studies show residents have limited access to full-service grocery stores. However, they have much greater access to fast food and convenience stores, which sell unhealthy, processed foods.

This inequity in access to healthy food is an inconvenience and a health crisis. CDC research shows that people in food deserts are more likely to have chronic diseases, like diabetes obesity, and heart disease. These health disparities are worse in Black communities where systemic racism and economic challenges have long compounded the issue. So why does access to fresh food matter, and how can we eliminate food deserts to improve health outcomes in Black neighborhoods?

What Are Food Deserts?

Food deserts are areas where residents have little to no access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. Food deserts are often low-income communities, and they are usually located at least a mile away from the nearest supermarket in urban areas, and at least 10 miles away in rural areas. In Black neighborhoods, food deserts are not just a geographic issue, they are a result of decades of disinvestment and structural inequality.

Many White suburban neighborhoods have sprawling supermarkets and farmers’ markets. In contrast, Black urban neighborhoods often have only fast-food chains, convenience stores, and liquor shops. They all offer cheap, unhealthy food. When healthy options are hard to find or too expensive, people tend to eat high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. This causes long-term health problems. Poor diets fuel chronic illnesses, placing more burden on Black communities already struggling with systemic health inequities.

Additionally, studies show that Black neighborhoods have 50% fewer supermarkets than White ones of the same income level. Moreover, food prices tend to be higher in these underserved areas, creating an additional barrier to healthy eating. This scarcity of fresh food in our neighborhoods contributes to a public health crisis that cannot be ignored.

Root Causes of Food Deserts in Our Communities

Food deserts in our community result from decades of systemic inequities. Our neighborhoods lack food access because of past practices like redlining which significantly contributed to neglect and a resource shortage in our communities. These policies limited the growth of vital infrastructure, including grocery stores and health services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes how displacement and gentrification of Black communities contribute to overcrowded, substandard living conditions, making it easier for infectious diseases to spread. Because of such activities, our communities become end up trapped in food deserts, leading to increased rates of malnutrition.

Additionally, economic disparity is a major factor contributing to existence of food deserts in our neighborhoods. Black families experience higher levels of poverty, which reduces their purchasing power. Surprisingly, even if a grocery store is within reach in a neighborhood, the cost of fresh, healthy foods may be costly for low-income families. Studies show that, in food deserts, fruits and vegetables are often more expensive. This makes it hard for residents to prioritize nutrition over cheaper, less healthy options.

5 Steps Toward Eliminating Food Deserts in Our Communities

Community-Led Initiatives and Urban Agriculture: Grassroots efforts, like community gardens and urban farms, are effective ways to bring fresh produce to our neighborhoods. For example, urban agriculture in cities like Detroit and Chicago has turned vacant lots into community gardens where residents can now grow their vegetables there. Additionally, visit your local library. Many libraries now have an agricultural section where you can exchange seeds. It lets you share and receive seeds for growing your own food. This not only increases access to fresh food but also fosters community engagement and ownership over local food systems.
Nutrition Education Programs: Teaching residents of our communities about nutrition can help them make better food choices. Schools, community centers, and local organizations can play a crucial role in delivering these programs.
Incentivizing Grocery Store Development: Governments at all levels can help with food deserts. They can offer tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans to grocery chains that open in underserved areas. These incentives can help offset the higher costs and risks associated with opening stores in low-income neighborhoods thus encouraging more businesses to invest in our communities.
Mobile Markets and Food Delivery: In places where building new grocery stores is not possible, mobile markets and food delivery services can provide a solution. Some cities have introduced mobile grocery stores that bring fresh produce directly to food desert neighborhoods, offering affordable and healthy food options. Additionally, partnerships between local farmers and delivery services can ensure that our families can access fresh food without traveling far.
Policy Reform and Advocacy: We need to advocate for high-level reform to achieve systemic change. We must change zoning laws, increase public transport, and push for food justice in our communities. These steps are vital to eliminating food deserts. Our leaders, community organizers, and policymakers must continue to push for equitable investments in their neighborhoods.

The battle against food deserts is not just about addressing hunger. It is about bringing back health, equity, and dignity to the Black community, which has been systematically neglected. As the old saying goes, “A tree with strong roots laughs at storms.” By planting the seeds of change, we can ensure that our communities have the resources they need to grow strong and thrive.

The path to food justice begins with action. At Elevate Black Health, we are committed to providing the resources and information needed to implement community-driven solutions and advocating for policy changes. The time to act is now. Together, we can nourish our communities, eliminate food deserts, and ensure that access to fresh food becomes a right, not a privilege.