How Do Food Deserts and Food Swamps Make It Harder to Be Healthy Quizlet?

Food deserts and food swamps contribute to the challenge of eating healthy. Food deserts are areas where it is difficult for people to find fresh and healthy food options due to the lack of grocery stores, farmers markets, and other sources of nutritious and affordable food.

Food swamps are areas with an overabundance of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, which make it easier for people to find unhealthy food options.

When people live in a food desert, they may be limited in the types of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, and other nutritious foods they can access. As a result, they may have to rely on processed foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt.

These types of foods do not provide essential nutrients needed for good health. In addition, these processed items are often more expensive than healthier options.

In contrast, when people live in a food swamp they may be surrounded by unhealthy fast-food restaurants or convenience stores that sell items such as chips, candy bars, soda pop and other high-calorie snacks. These items tend to be cheaper than healthier alternatives making it difficult for people on a budget to stick with healthier choices. In addition, these unhealthy options are usually very accessible which makes them even more appealing.

Conclusion

Food deserts and food swamps make it harder for people to be healthy by limiting access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods while making unhealthy options more accessible and affordable. Eating healthy requires access to fresh produce as well as knowledge about healthy eating habits—both of which can be hindered by living in a food desert or a food swamp.