Starved for Access : Life in Rural America ’ s Food Deserts

http://www.ruralsociology.org The Situation: • Rural areas risk becoming “food deserts” as young families move away and market pressures continue to squeeze small grocers and retailers. Food deserts are defined as counties in which all residents must drive more than 10 miles to the nearest supermarket chain or supercenter. • The Great Plains are especially lacking in easy-access grocers. • The residents of food deserts tend to be older, poorer, and less educated. • Health can be compromised by lack of food access. Many do not consume adequate amounts of fresh fruits or vegetables, and they often lack adequate dairy and protein in their diet. • Wal-Mart and other superstores are not always cheaper on all food items, leaving room for a competitive advantage for smaller grocers. Policy and Community Options: • Focus on economic development to stem population loss, which is a central reason for the exodus of local grocers. • Target federal food and nutrition programs to areas designated as food deserts in rural America. • Advocate for advantageous wholesale prices and distribution networks. • Shop locally. Creating campaigns to buy locally can revitalize rural downtowns and increase the community tax base. • Connect local food production to local markets. Fresh, high-quality foods are needed to hold rural food dollars locally. Farmer’s markets and niche food markets have potential for increasing local food resources. • Strengthen the safety net. Encourage existing and create new voluntary organizations that support school lunch programs, meals-on-wheels, meal sites, food pantries, community gardens, and other safety net programs. • Improve the transportation infrastructure to facilitate access to food retailers by elder and limited income residents. Starved for Access: Life in Rural America’s Food Deserts