Historic redlining continues limiting healthy food access, study finds

August 22, 2026 - 15:56

A new study shows that the effects of redlining, the now-illegal practice of denying loans and mortgages to minority neighborhoods, are still shaping where people can find fresh and nutritious food. The research found that in areas once marked on government maps as risky for investment, bad housing conditions, high crime rates, and poor schools matter more than income or how close a grocery store is.

Redlining began in the 1930s when federal agencies color-coded neighborhoods. Green meant safe for investment, while red meant risky, often because of the racial makeup of the residents. Even though the practice was banned decades ago, the damage stuck. Those redlined areas still struggle with disinvestment, and that legacy appears to limit access to healthy food in ways that go beyond simple distance or affordability.

The study suggests that fixing food access is not just about building new supermarkets or improving public transit. Instead, it points to deeper neighborhood problems. If residents worry about safety on the way to the store, or if their housing is so poor that they cannot store or cook fresh food, then even a nearby grocery store will not help. Similarly, struggling schools mean parents have less time and energy to shop and prepare meals.

The authors argue that policy makers need to address these root issues, such as housing quality, community safety, and education, if they want to truly improve diets in these neighborhoods. Simply adding a farmers market or a bus route is not enough. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that historical discrimination continues to affect daily life, including something as basic as what people eat.