food desert

noun

: an area where little fresh produce is available for sale
Despite the common perception of food deserts as city neighborhoods where fast food chains and convenience stores dominate, many of Kansas' food deserts are in rural areas. In some, residents have to drive 20 miles or farther to find a source of healthful food.Megan Hart

Examples of food desert in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But in America’s food deserts, convenience stores are more than just places to pick up a snack—they’re grocery stores. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026 The program, established in 2022, aims to address food deserts by fostering grocery store development. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 Zohran Mamdani, the new democratic socialist mayor of New York City, is setting an example with his plan of instituting accessible and affordable city-run grocery stores for New Yorkers, many of whom live in food deserts. Tania Fabo, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 Don't miss these Less than three years ago, Sentry Foods opened on West Silver Spring Drive to fill a food desert. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for food desert

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of food desert was in 1988

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Cite this Entry

“Food desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20desert. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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