The term “food deserts” describes neighborhoods and communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods. 

Factors leading to food deserts include 

• low income/poverty,
•  lack of transportation (poor public transit, no cars), 
• distance to supermarkets,
•  racial segregation, 
• and economic decisions by retailers to avoid low-profit areas, resulting in few healthy food stores but many fast-food/convenience options, creating disparities in access to affordable, nutritious food, especially for vulnerable communities