FAQ
What is a food desert?
food, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and other groceries typically available at a full-service grocery store.
The challenge can be especially significant for people who do not have reliable transportation, older adults, families with children, and others who may have difficulty traveling long distances for groceries.
Why are grocery stores leaving some communities?
There is rarely one single reason. Grocery retailers consider many factors when deciding whether to open, close, or maintain a location, including operating costs, sales, population, competition, property availability, transportation patterns, and long-term financial sustainability.
Unfortunately, when a grocery store closes, the community left behind can experience consequences that extend far beyond the loss of one business.
Our goal is to make sure the voices of those communities are part of the conversation.
Why does access to a grocery store matter?
A nearby grocery store provides more than convenience.
It can provide access to fresh and affordable food, local jobs, economic activity, and an important resource for families and neighborhoods.
Without a full-service grocery store nearby, residents may have to travel farther, spend more on transportation, or rely on stores with fewer healthy and affordable food choices.
What does Food Deserts do?
Food Deserts gives residents a place to share what is happening in their communities.
We collect stories and feedback from people experiencing limited grocery access and use those voices to help bring attention to communities that may be underserved.
Our long-term goal is to demonstrate community need and encourage conversations with grocery retailers, developers, community organizations, and local leaders who may be able to help create solutions.
How can I tell you about my community?
Use our Share Your Story form to tell us what is happening where you live.
You can tell us about:
- Grocery stores that have recently closed
- How far you travel to purchase groceries
- Transportation challenges
- The types of food options currently available
- How the loss of a grocery store has affected your family or neighborhood
- Why you believe a grocery store could succeed in your community
The more we understand about a community, the better we can help bring attention to its needs.