Why are food deserts a problem?

Introduction

Even in today's modern era, people in many parts of the world face difficulties in accessing nutritious and fresh food. This problem is known as "food deserts." Food deserts are areas where fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and other nutritious foods are not readily available. People in these areas often have to rely on processed and unhealthy foods, which has a negative impact on their health.

This problem is not limited to developing countries but can also be seen in developed countries like America and Europe. In this article, we will learn why food deserts are a serious problem, what are its causes and how it can be solved.

What is a food desert?

A food desert is an area where people have to travel long distances to buy nutritious and fresh food. These areas do not have supermarkets, grocery stores, or fresh vegetable shops, forcing people to rely on processed food, fast food, or canned food.

Key features of Food Desert:

1. Lack of fresh fruits and vegetables - only packaged or long-shelf foods are available in these areas.
2. High cost of healthy food - Even if fresh food is available somewhere, it is expensive.
3. Lack of transportation - People in villages or remote areas do not have adequate means to reach the vegetable market or bazaar.
4. Abundance of fast food - These areas have more junk food outlets, which are cheap and easily available.

Why are food deserts a serious problem?

The impact of food deserts is not limited to hunger, but also affects the health, economic status, and education of a society.

1.  Adverse health effects

When people do not get nutritious food, they tend to eat unhealthy food. This leads to the following diseases:

• Obesity : Junk food is high in calories and sugar, which causes weight gain.
• Diabetes – Processed foods are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Heart disease – Eating fried and salty foods increases blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Malnutrition - Children and pregnant women do not get vitamins and minerals, which affects their development.

2.  Economic effect

• The cycle of poverty - People who are ill are often unable to work, which reduces their income.
• Increased medical expenses - Treatment for diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure is expensive, putting a financial burden on the family.

3.  Impact on education

• Children's lack of nutritious food weakens their attention and memory, which affects their studies.
• Lack of nutrition slows down the physical and mental development of children.

What are the causes of food deserts?

There are several social and economic reasons behind this problem:

1.  Poverty and income inequality

• Poor families don't have the money to buy healthy food.
• Supermarkets and health food stores do not open in low-income areas because their profits are low.

2.  How much transportation?

• There is a lack of public transport in remote areas of villages and cities, due to which people are unable to reach markets.

3.  Market monopoly

• Large corporate stores closed down small grocery stores, making it difficult for the rural and urban poor to access food.

4.  Lack of government policies

• In many countries, governments do not open farmers' markets or cheap ration shops in rural areas.

What can solve the problem of food deserts?

Efforts can be made at the government, community, and individual levels to overcome this problem:

1.  Governmental measures

• Subsidized ration shops - providing grains, pulses and oil to the poor at cheap prices.
• Promoting farmers markets – connecting local farmers directly with consumers.
• Improvements in public transport - increased bus and train services to villages and urban slums.

2.  Community-based solutions

• Community Gardening - People can grow vegetables around their homes.
• Food cooperatives - people can buy affordable and fresh food items together.

3.  Spreading awareness

• Educating people about the benefits of a nutritious diet.
• Further improving the midday meal scheme in schools.

Conclusion

Food deserts are a global problem that is affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people. This problem can be solved not only by government policies but also by the collective efforts of society. If we support local farmers, create community gardens and spread awareness, this problem can be reduced to a great extent.

Healthy food is the right of every human being, and it is our collective responsibility to do our part in making this right available to everyone.