Urban 'Food Deserts' Persist as Supermarkets Shun Low-Income Areas

Supermarkets have largely abandoned low-income urban neighborhoods since the late 1960s, leaving behind "food deserts" where dollar stores now dominate.

Zoning laws have made opening small grocery stores in residential areas difficult, limiting healthy food access.

Supermarket executives may see predominantly Black neighborhoods as higher-risk investments.

Major chains have opened stores in underserved areas, only to close them shortly after amid profitability concerns.

Community leaders express frustration when corporations fail to provide consistent food access in historically marginalized neighborhoods.