Different Stores, Different Impact on Food Deserts

A food desert is an area with no local source of fresh fruits and vegetables (grocery stores, farmers markets, etc). This absence has been linked with increased risk of obesity and other cardio-vascular health issues.

But what about price? In some urban areas, the only grocery store is a more expensive chain, like Whole Foods (hello Washington D.C. and Providence, R.I.).

We do see price changes due to market competition. For example, this interesting article. Adding a Wal-mart may decrease grocery store prices, but adding a Costco increases them.