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
Megan HartExamples of food desert in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Between the lines: The chain's decision has sparked fears that the neighborhood will be left in a food desert, defined as areas with limited access to healthy food sources.
—Nadia Lopez, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
These are the same communities that lack access to grocery stores and healthy food options, known as food deserts.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Around the same time, terms like food desert went mainstream, defining the regions within cities where the only available food was the kind that is addictive and might kill you a little quicker.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for food desert
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Between the lines: The chain's decision has sparked fears that the neighborhood will be left in a food desert, defined as areas with limited access to healthy food sources.
—Nadia Lopez, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
These are the same communities that lack access to grocery stores and healthy food options, known as food deserts.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Around the same time, terms like food desert went mainstream, defining the regions within cities where the only available food was the kind that is addictive and might kill you a little quicker.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for food desert
Cite this Entry
“Food desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20desert. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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