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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On the positive side, AI is firefighters identify and better manage wildfires, and nutrition access in the state's food deserts. Mike Kubzansky, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 Around 15% of Mecklenburg County residents live in food deserts, according to research from UNC Charlotte. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025 For example, individuals in low-income neighborhoods may face barriers such as limited access to healthcare facilities, poor housing conditions and food deserts, all of which contribute to poorer health outcomes. Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 As fresh, healthy food becomes less accessible because of food deserts and high cost, the likelihood of kidney stones in children rises. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 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 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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