Meeting

The workshop included presentations and discussions that focused on the health effects on local populations (including both adults and children) of limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Invited workshop presentations discussed the impacts of food deserts on such outcomes as overall dietary intake (including examination of specific foods, such as fruit and vegetable consumption and intake of high energy, low nutrient foods); prevalence of obesity and overweight; the existence of micronutrient deficiencies; food insecurity; and the incidence of chronic diseases associated with poor diets. In addition, presentations covered promising strategies for mitigating the impacts of food deserts that have been suggested, implemented, or are in the planning stages.