The term “food desert” may be new to some. A food desert is a low-income community without ready access to healthy and affordable food. The most striking example of a food desert is the city of Detroit, Michigan that does not have a single grocery store within the city limits.
Ready access is defined as being located within one mile of a place to purchase fresh produce, dairy and fresh meats, typically a full service grocery store although farmers’ markets and small local grocery stores do provide some access in certain areas. The availability of transportation is a significant factor for low income families seeking food, especially here in Greenville County, South Carolina. More than 50,000 people in Greenville County live more than one mile from a grocery store and do not have a car.
Public transportation is very limited in geography and service hours.
If you’re curious about where the food deserts are located in Greenville County, and what criteria are used to assign that title, check out this website. Read the information about how determinations were made, then put in an address and click on the census tracts to see specifics.
No comments:
Post a Comment