Rural Food Deserts

There are as many definitions of a rural food desert as there are researchers defining it, but most all agree that it is an area where healthy and affordable food is not accessible and that few or no full-service grocery stores exist. The notion of food deserts was born in the United Kingdom in the 1990’s when grocers moved out of the cities into the suburban market, leaving populated areas with no access to food retailers. In the U.S. it is somewhat different, as Blanchard states, “…the proliferation of convenience stores and gas stations ensure that some type of food is accessible to almost all residents. However, the quality and pricing of food products available in U.S. convenience stores and supermarkets varies dramatically.” Not only do consumers at convenience stores pay higher prices but typically fresh fruits and vegetables are not available and food that is available is of a lower nutritional value. “Thus the application of the food desert concept in the U.S. elucidates a great divide between those with and without access to low cost, high quality food.”

So where do food deserts come from? Have we always had them? The structure of the food retailing industry has become more concentrated over time. According to Walter Heller, Research Director at Progressive Grocer magazine, communities in the 1950’s used to have more than 50% of food retailing business done at Mom and Pop grocery stores. Now it is approximately 17%. As supercenter stores (hybrid stores offering groceries and discount merchandise such as Wal-Mart or Target) are built, small grocers are forced out of business. The buying power of large corporations has changed the distribution pattern within the industry. Also, in rural areas shrinking population from young people and families moving away to areas with more economic opportunity further squeeze small grocers and retailers. Supermarket chains locate their stores where they can attract the most shoppers which makes economic sense. Rural areas are the losers. All of these factors contribute to the creation of a rural food desert.

The effects of a food desert are born by the population. “The USDA estimates that groceries average 10% more in food deserts than at suburban grocers.” Thus the poor are at a disadvantage.

Refrigerators may be stocked with expensive fatty foods from a convenience store rather than fresh fruits and vegetables from the supermarket. In a case study of rural Iowa involving over 1,500 individuals, “the surveys uncovered… distinct challenges for residents: (1) A large share (more than 45%) did not consume adequate amounts of fresh fruits; (2) Nearly two-thirds did not consume adequate amounts of vegetables; (3) More than one-third (34%) lacked adequate dairy in their diet, and (4) More than one-fourth lacked the recommended levels of protein in their diet.” Not only are there fewer or no supermarkets in a food desert, fruit and vegetable markets are less prevalent in food deserts.

These findings are especially troublesome given that a larger proportion of the population of poor, low-income individuals and the disabled are found in food deserts. These are society’s most vulnerable members. “Food deserts may compound severe nutritional problems and further exacerbate the socioeconomic gradient in health status.”

What can be done? Morton and Blanchard make a variety of recommendations that go beyond the basic economic development that is needed. Grocer associations can advocate and innovate for reasonable wholesale pricing and distribution networks for small grocers. People should be encouraged to shop locally, supporting the existing rural grocers and creating farmers’ markets. The safety net of meals on wheels, community kitchens, food pantries and such should be enhanced. The transportation infrastructure needs to be assessed and a mix or private and public transportation options developed to provide resident’s access to food retailers. And lastly, more support is needed for the 2007 Farm Bill which funds the Food Stamp Program, which helps families afford more nutritious food, wherever Food Stamps are accepted.

Blanchard, Troy C. and Thomas A. Lyson. Retail Concentration, Food Deserts, and Food Disadvantaged Communities in Rural America. page 1.
Ibid. page 2.
“Residents do without in America’s ‘food deserts’” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5353901.
Morton, Lois Wright and Troy C. Blanchard. Starved for Access: Life in Rural American’s Food Deserts, Rural Realities. page 1.
“Residents do without in America’s ‘food deserts’” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5353901.
Morton, Lois Wright and Troy C. Blanchard. Starved for Access: Life in Rural American’s Food Deserts, Rural Realities. page 4.
Blanchard, Troy C. and Thomas A. Lyson. Retail Concentration, Food Deserts, and Food Disadvantaged Communities in Rural America. page 14.
Ibid, page 15.