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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In the West Boulevard corridor, life in a food desert looks like trips to Family Dollar, Nick’s Gryos and Seafood for something quick, or inconvenient trips to the Walmart on Wilkinson Boulevard, Royal said. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025 The lack of a full-service grocery store makes North Kansas City a food desert according to the federal definition. Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 The inspiration comes from the twin crises of affordability and food deserts. Zahir Janmohamed, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025 Millions of Americans live in food deserts — areas that have limited access to affordable, nutritious foods. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Food desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20desert. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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