Local food deserts fail to provide fresh, nutrient-dense food
Local food deserts fail to provide fresh food
Access to healthy and nutritious food is a common struggle for many in Syracuse as obesity rates rise the need for healthier diets is necessary.

Georgia Kenneth decided where she would live in Syracuse based on whether she could walk to a grocery store.
“It’s not always easy, especially if you’re struggling with health and weight problems, but finding programs and resources has helped me stay on track,” Kenneth said.
If you don’t have access to convenient transportation, grocery shopping in Syracuse can be a challenge, especially for those who already struggle with food.
Syracuse faces a significant public health challenge with over half of its local census tracts classified as food deserts or areas where access to affordable, fresh, nutritious food is severely limited, contributing to high rates of obesity and related health issues.
In Onondaga County, alarming statistics reveal that 34.4% of public school students and nearly 60% of adults are classified as overweight or obese. Posing real health consequences, including high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and related hospitalizations. Those with inadequate access to fresh and affordable food are more likely to have obesity and associated health problems.
“When we look at the ‘90s and early 2000s, the population in Syracuse has gone down,” said Jeremy DeChario, General Manager of Syracuse Food Co-operative. Comparatively, there are more grocery options, but it’s all a part of poor investment as they are not easily accessible if you don’t have a car.”
Food deserts and nutrition security
“An over-reliance on processed foods leads to higher rates of obesity and diabetes,” said Sudha Raj, a dietitian and Syracuse University Graduate Director of the Nutrition and Food Studies program. “I could give you five loaves of bread, and you could be food-secure for the moment, but would you be nutrition-secure?”
Nutrition security is not just the availability of fresh food, vitamins, and minerals to meet an individual’s specific daily needs. Rather, it is the consistency of nutritious meals that promotes health and disease prevention and to gain understanding.
When it comes to rising obesity rates, if food insecurity is the tip of the iceberg, nutrition insecurity is the problem beneath the surface. LILA (low-income, low-access) communities face this challenge every day.
Confronting the challenge
In response to the growing health disparities, local initiatives are in place to combat the effects of food deserts. The Syracuse Food Cooperative at the Salt City Market stands out by providing affordable access to fresh produce.
“About 10% of our business is through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being), and our ‘Double Up Food Bucks’ program matches spending on SNAP, making healthy food more accessible,” DeChario said.
Such initiatives reflect a growing awareness regarding the need for improved food access to enhance public health.
Despite these efforts, the intersection of food deserts and income poses a significant challenge. Education, socioeconomic status, and transportation are all factors that greatly impact food and nutrition security. The reality of life’s struggles such as juggling multiple jobs, limited kitchen resources, and limited cooking skills often leads individuals to rely on cheaper, processed options.
“For immigrants, if it’s not the food that they are used to, even a supermarket could be a food desert for them,” Raj said, highlighting how cultural backgrounds could play a role in health where 12.4% of the population is made up of immigrants.

Practical strategies for nutritious eating
Tackling the challenges of food deserts and rising obesity in Syracuse isn’t just about providing food — it’s about ensuring access to affordable, fresh, and culturally relevant options that truly serve the community, certain steps can be taken to ensure individuals are on the right track to a healthier lifestyle.
1. Meal Planning: Developing a weekly meal plan can minimize food costs and reliance on convenience foods.
2. Buying in Bulk: Purchasing staple foods can provide a solid foundation for meals while saving money.
3. Seasonal Produce: Utilizing fruits and vegetables that are in season can lower grocery bills and increase nutritional intake.
4. Frozen Alternatives: Frozen fruits and vegetables offer affordability and convenience while adding essential nutrients.
Transportation gaps, education, and cultural barriers are deeply tied to the issue, and addressing them calls for community-driven solutions and sustained investment.