This issue of Rural Realities examines the
distribution of food deserts across the United
States and describes the major socioeconomic
attributes associated with these places. To gain
a clearer sense of the economic and health
consequences for rural people who live in food
deserts, we highlight findings from a case study in
Iowa. The brief concludes with insights on what
local communities and policymakers might do to
expand access to quality foods for rural people
living in food desert areas of the country.