Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What are food deserts? Why are they a problem? (Central Ideas)
Food deserts are places where people have limited access to healthy, affordable food. In urban food deserts, at least one-third of people live more than a mile from a supermarket. In rural food deserts, at least one-third of people live at least 10 miles from a supermarket. Food deserts are a problem because people in them may be forced to eat more junk food, which can affect their health.
• What are some causes of food deserts? What are some effects of them? (Cause and Effect)
The main cause of food deserts is money. Supermarkets tend to be opened in places with higher incomes and more people, so areas with lower incomes and fewer people are less likely to have them. Another cause is dollar stores, which sell nonperishable foods at such low prices that grocery stores can be forced out of business. Food deserts can negatively affect people’s health. Eating prepackaged items that are often high in sugar, salt, and fat puts people at risk of diet-related illnesses and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Living in food deserts can also affect kids’ ability to concentrate in school.
• Summarize the section “Confronting the Crisis.” (Summarizing)
Many people are trying to solve the problem of food deserts. President Joe Biden has committed more than $4 billion toward expanding access to healthy and affordable food. Some communities have started markets to increase local food options. In other places, communities are working to redirect extra food to people in need and are opening farmers’ markets or mobile markets.