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Food Desert
Neighborhood or rural area with limited access to affordable, nutritious food, typically lacking a full-service grocery store.
USDA defines low-income census tracts with low food access as food deserts. Residents often rely on convenience stores and fast food, contributing to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The concept is contested; some researchers focus on food 'swamps' (overabundance of unhealthy options) rather than absolute absence of healthy food.
How each textbook covers it
duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 8
USDA defines low-income census tracts with low food access as food deserts. Residents often rely on convenience stores and fast food, contributing to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The concept is contested; some researchers focus on food 'swamps' (overabundance of unhealthy options) rather than absolute absence of healthy food.
Related terms
Food Insecurity, Social Determinants of Health