In the U.S., the most commonly cited estimate is about 54 million people living in food deserts, which is roughly 1 in 6 Americans. Another widely cited count says there are over 6,500 food deserts nationwide.

What that means

“Food desert” is usually used to describe an area where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food, especially fresh groceries. So the number can be reported in two different ways: by people affected or by places affected.

Why the numbers differ

Different sources use different definitions, time periods, and geographic units, so the totals do not always match exactly. That’s why one report may emphasize the number of residents while another focuses on the number of communities or census areas.

Quick answer

  • People affected: about 54 million.
  • Places affected: more than 6,500 food deserts.

If you want, I can also break this down by state , urban vs. rural , or how the USDA defines a food desert.