FOOD DESERTS vs. FOOD SWAMPS What is a Food Desert? Have you ever heard of a Food Swamp? A food desert is an area where residents' access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) are restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores. A food swamp is an area where an abundance of fast food, junk food outlets, convenience stores, and liquor stores outnumbers healthy food options. With nearly 2.3 million people in the US living more than one mile away from a supermarket and not owning a car, health and economic stability for these communities is a major challenge. Add the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact has the potential to trigger a food epidemic. This class explores tough issues of race, class and socioeconomic disparities, while offering students the opportunity to focus on developing potential solutions in the form of an action plan, to reduce the chronic food insecurity faced during and post-pandemic.