USDA defines a food desert as a low-income
community where the nearest supermarket is at least
one mile from a populated zone. Many inner-city
residents don’t have cars or access to reliable public
transportation. In rural areas where vehicle ownership
is higher and the population is more widespread, food
deserts are low-income areas more than 10 miles from a
supermarket. Food deserts are in every state: They can
be within a major urban area, but more than 98 percent
are in rural areas, especially in the South and West.
The reasons for food deserts are many, but the
bottom line is economics. Supermarkets need to make
money to stay in business. While consumers with good
access to supermarkets may gasp when looking at the
final bill at the checkout counter, the average grocery
store generates only 1.5 percent profit after taxes and
operating costs. Those thin margins can quickly erode to
severe losses when trying to serve thinly-populated and
distant rural areas, or inner-city areas with high costs for
real estate, logistical challenges and crime.
Federal, state, local and private initiatives are
underway to try to eliminate food deserts. USDA
is working with the Treasury Department and the
Department of Health and Human Services on the
Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Launched in 2010,
the initiative is trying to attract private investment
through tax credits, low-interest loans, loan guarantees
and grants. Major supermarket chains have committed
to invest in under-served areas. Several foundations
have pledged and donated hundreds of millions of
dollars. States and cities have also followed through
with local incentives.
Projects range from construction and expansion
of supermarkets to small-scale programs, such as
city gardens, refrigeration units for fresh products in
convenience stores, mobile mini-markets and weekly
farmers’ markets.
While lack of access to healthy foods can result in
poor diets and increased health risks, studies have also
shown that simply opening a grocery store in a poor
area isn’t a quick fix to change food choices. Those
living in food deserts tend to be older, lower income and
less-educated than those who live in areas with greater
access—all factors shown to correlate with diet and
health.
Fair pricing is also critical. Studies have shown
that low-cost, highly processed foods lead to a higher
prevalence of obesity. Fresh foods tend to cost more
and require more preparation, which means there is a
continuing need for education to teach the skills needed
for buying and cooking healthy food. In-store marketing
and promotion can also play a part in influencing
healthy choices.
American farmers can help by continuing to do what
they do best—producing the highest-quality foods,
efficiently and economically. Farmers and their families
are active members of the communities they live
and work in, and they play an important role—along
with other businesses in their communities—to help
foster thriving rural economies that will be attractive
to grocers. Where possible, farmers who sell in local
markets can offer great products, at fair prices, along
with advice and demonstrations on how to prepare them.
They can also help lead efforts to open farmers’ markets
where other options may not exist.
For consumers who have long been without
healthful, affordable choices, building new habits may
be a challenge. Education and promotion can help create
the desire and demand, but a motivated consumer can’t
act on it without access.
______________________________________
Robert Giblin writes, speaks and consults about
agricultural and food industry issues, policies and trends.
ATTENTION MINERAL OWNERS
Confused About:
• Leasing
• Pipeline Projects
• Your Royalty Payments
Become a NARO member and start
learning how to manage your oil & gas
minerals and royalty interests.
Call 1-877-341-3244 today for information
NATIONA T