In the economically unpredictable country, the United States of America, there is obvious signs of corporate exploitation of the middle and lower classes in terms of economic status. However, the last thing you would think of are these huge food corporations scheming a class-based geographical empire of fast food chains with a scarcity of supermarkets. Food deserts are urban and rural areas, mainly of the lower class, that have virtually no access to healthy food options. Leading to more obesity and other dietary related diseases, such as diabetes. There are about 23 million people that live in food deserts, and out of that 23 million, “[more] than half of those people (13.5 million) are low- income” (Agricultural Marketing). A barren wasteland consisting of no healthy food options, or even a market where you can at least have a choice on what you eat, seems to be impossible to come by. Fast food and convenience stores along with gas stations have become toxic oasis’s in these deserts. Such stores prove to be the only markets in the area that supply food. Despite the areas being mainly low income, prices for produce are steep. Causing families to either plan …show more content…
Although there is a spike in reported mental health issues “[nearly] two thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit or fruit juice every day” (Diet and Mental Health). In food desert one can only imagine how much good a mental health issue can do to person, family, or even a community. Mental disorders that can stem from poor nutrition include “depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.” (Diet and Mental Health). All of which can put an emotional and financial hole in anyone’s family. Disease like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia can inhibit someone’s ability to become employed. Yet cities continue to neglect these communities and blame their lack of success to their