Navigating Transit Deserts: How Americans Without Cars Access Groceries
Two buses, three hours and 13 miles: how Americans in ‘transit deserts’ get groceries without cars
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Many Americans living in 'transit deserts' face significant challenges in accessing groceries without a car. Zen’Yari Winters, a resident of East Memphis, Tennessee, exemplifies this struggle, relying on a lengthy bus journey or costly ride-sharing options to shop. As cities cut transit services, innovative solutions like scooter programs and taxi vouchers are emerging to help residents overcome these obstacles.
- 0116 million Americans lack cars and live in transit deserts, facing food access challenges.
- 02Cities like Memphis and Providence have reduced public transit services, worsening food insecurity.
- 03Innovative solutions, such as taxi vouchers and scooter programs, are being explored to improve grocery access.
- 04Public transit inadequacies lead to increased reliance on local, often less healthy food options.
- 05Community-driven initiatives aim to connect residents with affordable grocery options.
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Zen’Yari Winters, who works at a pet shop in East Memphis, Tennessee, highlights the struggles of many Americans living in 'transit deserts.' With only one full-service grocery store in her area closed since 2025, Winters must navigate a 13-mile journey involving two buses to reach a Walmart, often waiting long hours at bus stops. This situation is common among the 16 million Americans without cars, who face significant food access challenges due to inadequate public transportation. Cities like Memphis and Providence have cut transit services, exacerbating food insecurity as residents are forced to rely on local, often pricier options. Research indicates that enhancing transit access could help alleviate household food insecurity. Innovative solutions, such as the MyCityRides program in Memphis, aim to teach residents to drive scooters as a more affordable alternative to public transit. Additionally, taxi vouchers and mobile grocery stores are being explored to better connect residents with healthy food options. As food insecurity rises, community-driven initiatives are essential for improving access to affordable groceries.
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Residents in transit deserts face increased food insecurity due to limited access to affordable groceries, often leading to reliance on local, less healthy food options.
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