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

That leaves sundry food deserts in such places as Central Harlem, the South Bronx, Central Brooklyn including Bed Stuy and Brownsville, and the North Shore of Staten Island. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

While proponents aim to boost affordability and address food deserts, economists warn of market distortion. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Instacart, one of many modern grocery delivery apps, was created in 2012, one year after the USDA's food desert map launched. — Angelica Stabile , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026

About 15% of Mecklenburg residents live in a food desert — higher than the national average of 11%. — Catherine Muccigrosso july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above