A 2003 University of Michigan study deemed America's 18th most populous city a "food desert." A food desert is classified as "any area in the industrialized world where healthy, affordable food is difficult to obtain." In a city of nearly 1 million, healthy and nutritious food is scarce while high calorie, unhealthy foods are readily available. Since losing it's last two Farmer Jack's supermarkets over 3 years ago, the city of Detroit does not contain any supermarkets in it's 135 square mile area. Not one single Wal-Mart, Meijer's or A&P. A famously publicized haven for crime and unemployment, all chain supermarkets have cut their losses and fled to the suburbs, in search of greener pastures.
Although famous Detroit landmarks and grocers such as Eastern Market and Joe Randazzo's Produce exist, they are often times out of reach for most of the city's residents. A July 2007 Detroit News article formulates that the city has 155 grocery stores of various sizes that mostly cater to specific ethnicities. The article also goes on to state that "the city has 1,000 convenience stores -- including gas stations and party stores -- that sell some type of food." These types of food are more often than not expired and/or of low nutritional and high caloric value.
Although the statistics may seem staggering, I'm not sure if I would go so far as to call the city a food desert. But a difficult place to make healthy decisions? Absolutely.
Although famous Detroit landmarks and grocers such as Eastern Market and Joe Randazzo's Produce exist, they are often times out of reach for most of the city's residents. A July 2007 Detroit News article formulates that the city has 155 grocery stores of various sizes that mostly cater to specific ethnicities. The article also goes on to state that "the city has 1,000 convenience stores -- including gas stations and party stores -- that sell some type of food." These types of food are more often than not expired and/or of low nutritional and high caloric value.
Although the statistics may seem staggering, I'm not sure if I would go so far as to call the city a food desert. But a difficult place to make healthy decisions? Absolutely.