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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Finally, addressing social ills that lead to smoking, such as poverty, homelessness, food deserts and inadequate educational opportunities are more likely to help the health disparities in the Black community than a menthol ban ever could. Sonia Y.w. Pruitt, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2024 Of the six, Lakeland is the only neighborhood that is not a food desert. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 In some locations around the country—known as food deserts—fast-food restaurants and convenience stores are the primary food sources Cost is another likely barrier to anti-inflammatory eating. Sarah Garone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024 People would drive trucks of vegetables in, because Harlem was a food desert. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near food desert

Cite this Entry

“Food desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20desert. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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