The Effect of Food Deserts and Food Miles on Food Security

Abstract

Many people think that accessing fresh and nutritious food in the modern age is a simple task. However, the vast majority of people worldwide struggle to put fresh and nutritious food on their tables every day. Consequently, humanity is facing the greatest hunger crisis in generations. While long lines form at food outlets where food is more affordable, millions of children go to bed hungry every night, and countless families are forced to choose between grocery shopping and other expenses. Understanding the concepts of food security, food deserts, and food miles will be crucial in addressing this problem. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to sufficient food due to distance or affordability. A food desert is typically defined as a geographical area where people live more than 1.6 km (1 mile) from food outlets in urban areas and more than 16 km (10 miles) in rural areas. Food miles are defined as the distance food travels from farm to plate for many people, and the impact of this process on climate change. As concerns about the environmental impacts of food transportation grow, the concept of food miles and their associated carbon footprint is gaining increasing attention. Local food production, in particular, can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges. Local food is often associated with national security, sustainability, and supporting the local economy, contributing to value-added production, employment, rural development, and preserving local food culture. To address environmental pressures and enhance the sustainability of modern food systems, demand for higher productivity and more locally produced food, even in areas close to densely populated urban areas, is increasing. This review will explore the impact of food deserts and food miles on food security, a major challenge today.