Marin Voice: Bay Area’s many ‘food deserts’ are a big problem for residents’ health and well-being

Many families in the Bay Area are living in so-called “food deserts.” A food desert is a region where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, often because of the lack of nearby grocery stores.

As of 2024, there are approximately 889 neighborhoods in the Bay Area that are classified as food deserts. This issue has become increasingly urgent because of its effect on thousands of people’s health and well-being.

Inflation and rising food prices have heightened people’s challenges in food desert areas.