HEALTH

How “No Junk Food” Policy Ignores Food Deserts in Black Community

Systemic racism is a recipe for disaster

Chip on blue background | Photo by Alez Bayev via Pexels

Have you ever lived in a food desert? Residents living in these areas have limited access to healthy, affordable food options. As a result, they are more likely to eat more ultra-processed or “junk foods” than those who don’t. And given the nation’s legacy of racial redlining, black communities are often affected. This is a good case study on how systemic racism perpetuates inequality. Because prejudice formally enshrined in law continues to have an impact. When people are hungry, they need food. Not everyone has the privilege of becoming a picky eater. Where someone lives and works impacts what they can eat. Thus, we can not explain the popularity of unhealthy foods by only focusing on willpower. We must consider the problem of accessibility. Yet, this context is sorely missing from discussions about slashing federal food assistance.

It’s a challenge for those who live far from grocery stores to keep their fridges and pantries full. This is particularly true for citizens who rely on public transportation. Adults working full-time at labor-intensive jobs are less likely to cook most of their meals at home. People experiencing homelessness have nowhere to prepare, cook, and store meals. There are many…