Food deserts and the evolving conversation about food access

The term food desert is used in public health to describe communities where residents struggle to find affordable and nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food deserts as low-income, low-access census tracts where a significant portion of residents lack access to healthy and affordable food options at a supermarket. In urban areas this means living more than one mile away, and in rural areas more than 10 miles.

Dr. Titilola Balogun, program director for Capella’s public health programs, notes that the definition of food deserts has evolved.

“We’re moving away from just using the term desert to framing it as an access issue,” Dr. Balogun explains. “Even if a grocery store exists nearby, the food may be too expensive, or families may lack reliable transportation. So the problem isn’t only about geography. It’s also about access in general.”

She adds that new terms have entered the conversation. “Food swamps” are areas where food is available but much of it is unhealthy, often dominated by fast food and convenience stores. Another concept, “nutrition insecurity” refers to whether people can afford foods that support long-term health, not just whether they have enough to eat.

These perspectives broaden the way public health professionals think about food access today.

Dr. Balogun emphasizes that public health professionals often focus on education and advocacy to help address food access challenges.

“Public health is about advocacy,” Dr. Balogun says. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, professionals advocated for policymakers to expand SNAP benefits and address food supply disruptions. These efforts showed how policy and community partnerships can protect access to healthy foods.”

Public health professionals may:

• Share information about farmers markets, community gardens and other local food resources
• Provide nutrition education, such as how to read food labels or plan meals on a budget
• Partner with policymakers and nonprofits to support programs like SNAP or WIC
• Collaborate with schools to promote healthier food choices

Dr. Balogun highlights one example of improving food access, where a high school created a food pantry in partnership with a nonprofit. Students could bring healthy food home to their families, extending support beyond school meals.

Capella University weaves health disparities and social determinants of health throughout its public health curriculum. Dr. Balogun explains that students learn not only how geography and income affect food access, but also how to address broader systemic factors like transportation, housing and wages.

Graduate students complete practicums with community-based organizations, applying what they learn in real-world settings. Alumni often continue this work in other professional settings within the field.

“Every student in the graduate school – both master’s and doctoral – completes a practicum,” Dr. Balogun notes. “As part of their internship they work with community-based organizations and apply the knowledge they’ve acquired in school.”

Capella’s online public health programs can help students gain the knowledge and skills to address issues such as food access and community wellness. Graduates prepare to collaborate with organizations and lead initiatives that support healthier outcomes for communities.