Food deserts are becoming a bigger issue in the United States. The Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR) recently published an interactive map showing where these deserts are located. They define an urban food desert as an area where many residents live over a mile from a supermarket, while in rural areas, that distance increases to ten miles.
In Ohio, for example, food deserts are primarily in rural regions, but urban areas are affected too. Columbus has neighborhoods just north and east of downtown that face this challenge.
ILSR attributes the rise of food deserts to a lack of enforcement of an old antitrust law. This law, created during the Depression, requires suppliers to treat all retail buyers equally. Since the 1980s, independent grocery stores have struggled with rising costs, leading to higher prices for shoppers. This has pushed many people in low-income neighborhoods toward larger chains, resulting in a decline in independent grocers. Their market share has dropped from over 50% in the early ’80s to about 25% today.
Food deserts pose a serious issue, especially amid rising food prices. Recent data shows that food inflation is making it tougher for families to find affordable, healthy options. Meanwhile, climate change is wreaking havoc on crops worldwide, further driving prices up. For instance, severe weather in Malta recently wiped out many crops, affecting the global food supply.
Adding to this is the fact that the U.S. wastes around 30-40% of its food, according to the Department of Agriculture. This waste not only drives prices higher but also makes it more difficult to access fresh food.
Fortunately, some initiatives are making a difference. In South Los Angeles, a man known as the “Gangsta Gardener” has turned vacant land into food forests, advocating for laws that support urban gardening. Additionally, online grocery shopping is emerging as a helpful solution. Services like Martie offer discounted groceries, sourcing surplus inventory and making healthier options more accessible for those living in food deserts.
Addressing food deserts is complex, but with community efforts and innovative solutions, there is hope for change. For more detailed insights, you can check the original report from the Institute for Local Self Reliance here.
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