Story: Learn about food deserts, food swamps, and food insecurity. Learn the contributors and underlying issues of food deserts. Learn the many ways to address and solve food desert problems. About 23.5 million people live in food deserts in the U.S., areas where affordable, healthy food options are greatly limited if non-existent. To purchase fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains - many residents must travel considerable distance to find a supermarket. More than two million households in food deserts do not own a car - and bus accessibility is limited. It is a problem that can be solved.