Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
food desert
noun
/fuːd ˈdɛz.ərt/
Definition
An area where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited or nonexistent due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.
Examples
- Many low-income neighborhoods are classified as food deserts, making it difficult for residents to maintain a healthy diet.
- The community organization worked to bring fresh produce to food deserts by creating mobile markets.
Meaning
Food deserts are typically found in impoverished areas where residents may not have reliable transportation to reach stores that sell healthy food options.
Synonyms
- nutritional void
- food wasteland
- grocery gap
