Food deserts are areas where fresh groceries are scarce, healthier options are limited, and prices are often higher. The USDA refers to these areas as having "low access" to food, meaning a significant share of the neighborhood lives far from a grocery store. Nearly 54 million Americans are estimated to live in these areas.

A significant portion of the population in some communities is affected, with one in three people in Memphis impacted by food deserts. Volunteers are working to address the issue through initiatives such as school pantries and mobile grocery stores.

Further information on food deserts and efforts to combat them is available, including stories of communities working to increase access to fresh, affordable food.