Food deserts: what are they, & what can we do?
The United States has been referred to as the “land of opportunity” for generations, but realistic Americans, such as myself, know that that is not always true for everyone. Especially when it comes to food. In Massachusetts and many states alike, there are people living in what is known as a food desert. No, not dessert, desert. (although it doesn’t sound bad living inside a sweet treat.) A food desert is an area that doesn’t have much access to nutritious food options. I wish to emphasize that these areas don’t lack food entirely, but it is the lack of nutritious options that makes them a food desert.
People living in the food deserts of western Massachusetts are more likely to drive past three fast food chains on their way home from work than one sole grocery store. In fact, according to the USDA, those living in “rural food deserts” drive 10-20 miles in order to get to their nearest grocery store. In “urban food deserts," where locals typically use public transportation rather than owning a vehicle, residents need to travel over a mile to find a supermarket.
It is obvious that many systemic injustices of the past have crawled its way to the future. It should come as no surprise that food deserts are most commonly found in low-income and racial/ethnic minority regions. The sad part is not only do these areas lack access to nutritious and beneficial foods, but many of the public advertisement spaces are riddled with unhealthy products, such as; vapes, tobacco, and alcohol. In these regions it’s easier to find a corner store or fast food chain above a grocery store or pharmacy. What do you think a resident’s go-to option is for a quick, decent meal?
According to data from the Massachusetts Food Trust Program, over 80% of those living in the city of Lawrence are residing in a food desert. The city of Lawrence is made up of over 40% immigrants, and public transportation is scarce. It is most common for these residents to walk to the grocery store or a bodega. Although the bodega is most likely closer and possibly most convenient, options within the store are extremely limited when searching for whole grain options as well as foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Deprivation of vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances that help the body function leads to malnutrition. Most people connect the term “malnutrition” to those starving in poverty, and while that is an appropriate visualization of one side of the condition, it isn’t representative of what malnutrition is as a whole. See, the word itself stems from the Latin words "-mal,” meaning badly, and "-nutrire,” meaning “to feed”. Malnutrition is not the lack of feeding, but rather the act of feeding badly. Those living in food deserts are more likely to face obesity due to the lack of nutritious options around them. They aren’t being starved, they’re solely fueled by nutrient deficient foods. It’s the reason many people in Lawrence and the United States alike struggle with obesity.
It is undeniable that food deserts are merely the tip of the iceberg when addressing social inequalities and food insecurity. These major issues can only be solved when the overshadowing government issues are first addressed.
To solve the issues of food deserts in Massachusetts, the first solution that comes to mind would be to improve public transportation throughout the entire state, not solely in the Boston area. However, with the state of the MBTA today, I fear that is not a possible solution. Similarly, one would argue that speaking with local legislative officials to encourage policy initiatives could be beneficial, however, it truly depends on the representatives of each respective branch. Many government officials have their own agenda of issues they see as important, and so when those in positions of legal power won’t listen, these are my ideas for combating food deserts.
Start a community garden
A community garden is a great way to connect with your community and benefit those who inhabit it. The first step, of course, is to find land and a group of individuals interested in participating in it. Empty lots make for a great space to develop a garden, just reach out to the owner of the land to see if you can create a deal to use it during the growing season. You may need to accumulate a sum for rent from your group of individuals interested. This could also be solved by charging the various gardeners for plots in the garden. Most community gardens cost around 3,750-7,500 dollars to start, and that is before purchasing liability insurance, should you choose to do so. There is also such a thing as a community garden grant, which is something you should definitely check out before considering a corporate sponsorship.
Next, you’ll need to build a site for food to flourish. Those living in urban areas, in particular, will have to get creative with building and organizing garden beds. Discuss with members of the garden how you would like to establish plots and organize the various foods you and your community wish to grow. It is also important to educate yourself on zoning laws, just to make sure no local regulations are violated.
Writer’s note: Do not be scared or turned away by the details; a community garden is a fun experience to be a part of, and it can last generations. Imagine how happy you’d be decades from now to return to the site of your original community garden and still see it actively tended to. To witness future generations enjoy an experience you cultivated. :’)
Next, you just need to communicate with the other contributors to the garden what they’d like to grow and what they’d like to see grown. Establish rules and write them down. You should also consider making a schedule for watering and weeding.
Finally, have fun with the project! Encourage members of the garden to decorate the space. Make it a place worth spending your time, even just to sit and enjoy. Once you start seeing results from its harvest, engage local businesses to join in or potentially even sponsor your garden. Hosting community events and meals to boost engagement and inspire others to join in on the collaboration.
2. Form a community food co-op
A community food co-op is a great opportunity to promote food security. A community food co-op is a type of grocery store that is owned and operated by its consumers. Organizing a community food co-op requires a collective agreement from community members passionate about implementing change. Agreeing that there is a need for access to healthy, affordable foods, but also agreeing to work together and do something about it.
Not only do these co-ops focus on access to nutritious and beneficial foods, they are also avenues to encourage education and engagement within the community. Co-ops often host workshops, cooking classes, in addition to events focused on nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and food justice issues. Not only do co-ops supply the community with knowledge on food and access to affordable, nutritious foods, but they also serve as a gathering space, fostering connections and collaboration among members.
The benefits of forming a community food co-op include employment opportunities, access to nutritious foods, discounts on goods, a share of the year-end surplus, as well as maintaining partial ownership. Co-op’s function on a democratic basis. Therefore, everyone who is invested in the co-op receives a vote on all major decision-making situations. Members of the co-op can also elect a committee to make decisions on matters regarding store operations, policies, and product selection.
3. seek a partnership with a business or non-profit organization
Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, surrounding businesses, and local community groups all offer unique resources and expertise. By collaborating with one or more of the above, the contributors can bring together their wealth and knowledge to create tangible, sustainable resources for the community. Nonprofits might assist mainly through educational programs and workshops, that’s why it’s beneficial to collaborate with other institutions as well. Businesses can offer logistical support and infrastructure, but you can also receive funding and regulatory support from government agencies. In an example using the previous suggestion, starting a community co-op isn’t impossible without seeking help from these institutions, but it’d sure make it easier!
It is still important to reach out to various local community groups. After all, promoting food security in your community benefits the common good of everyone in the area. If your goal is truly to help your community, then your community should be allowed to be involved in the process. To not include members of the community, is to ignore their right to representation in the process of change. It’s their home, too.
4. educate and reach out
The most impactful thing you can do when all else fails, is utilize the power of your voice. Educate yourself in depth on the matter, if it’s something you truly care about, and go out into the world and spread your knowledge on the matter. Now, I’m not saying go run outside and explain every layer of the issue to the first stranger you see. Chances are they can’t do anything about it at that moment, and they will also probably think you’re a crazy weirdo. However, it would be beneficial to reach out to residents in food desert communities, whether you reside in them or not. Spread awareness in any way you can on matters of nutrition, cooking skills, and healthy eating habits. Although it doesn’t solve the problem, education leads to empowerment. It does give residents the opportunity to utilize their available resources effectively and strive for healthier food choices.
There are also outreach programs you can contribute to that spread awareness about food deserts and advocate for change. In Massachusetts, these outreach programs include: the Boston Public Health Commission, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the Food Project, Boston Area Gleaners, and Project Bread.
