By Dea Talelli
@redlineproject
Good community and civic health can be measured in many ways, one of which is access to fresh, healthy food. Ideally, residents should have a grocery store nearby, whether within walking distance or accessible by public transportation, so they can regularly purchase nutritious options.
But in Chicago, that’s not always the case for some neighborhoods.
As the map below illustrates, grocery stores in Chicago are unevenly distributed across the city. Neighborhoods on the South Side, despite covering a large geographic area, have significantly fewer grocery stores compared to areas closer to downtown.
In fact, Riverdale, South Deering and Hegewisch, three far South Side neighborhoods, do not have a single full-service grocery store. This stark disparity highlights ongoing issues of food access and inequality, raising important questions about how resources are allocated across Chicago’s communities.
A “food desert” refers to a geographic area with limited access to affordable, nutritious food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. These areas often lack full-service grocery stores and are instead dominated by convenience stores or fast-food outlets, making it more difficult for residents to maintain a healthy diet.
This pattern is not accidental but closely tied to Chicago’s long history of socioeconomic and racial segregation. Businesses, including grocery chains, often make decisions based on projected profit margins, which can discourage investment in lower-income neighborhoods. As a result, communities that are already underserved continue to face limited access to essential resources.
This lack of access pushes many families to rely on processed, inexpensive, and less nutritious food options that are more readily available. Over time, these conditions can contribute to negative health outcomes, such as higher rates of obesity and chronic illness, while also affecting individuals’ ability to fully participate in civic and social life.