Do You Live in a Food Desert?

Food deserts, or areas of low income where residents do not have access to a car or a place to buy food, affect even Columbia residents. 

According to the USDA, a food desert is defined as a "part of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers."

The areas in green on the attached map are areas of "low access" designated by the USDA. In those areas, more than 500 people and/or at least one third of the census tract's population live more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store. 

In Columbia, areas of low access are largely in the far north and southwest portions of the city. 
You can input your own zip code on the interactive map on the USDA website here.