[20210601]IF11841_界定低收入、低获取粮食地区（粮食沙漠）.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov June 1, 2021Defining Low-Income, Low-Access Food Areas (Food Deserts)In the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, 7527), Congress directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to identify “characteristics and factors causing and influencing food deserts”referred to as an area “with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly such an area composed of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and communities.” USDA identifies areas of low food access based on certain low-income and low-access criteria. These criteria base food access largely on the distance to a supermarket, consistent with the 2008 farm bills Statement of Managers calling on USDA to identify “geographically isolated neighborhoods and communities with limited or no access to major chain grocery stores” (Figure 1). Despite references in the 2008 farm bill, food desert currently is not defined in statute. Researchers have criticized USDAs methodology to identify low-food-access areas, and some community food advocates want to discontinue use of food desert and adopt alternative terminology. Congressional interest continues in regard to access to h