Marginalized neighborhoods suffer the most
Minnesota is one of the richest states in the country, yet many of its communities find themselves in resource deserts. These areas, known as critical sources of urban social inequality, are characterized by limited access to food, green space and health care. They reflect deep-rooted systemic inequalities exacerbated by historical injustices like redlining.
The Social Vulnerability Index developed by the Centers for Disease Control classifies areas into levels of vulnerability—“least,” “some,” “significant,” and “most”—based on socioeconomic factors, including poverty, unemployment, access to transportation, and crowded housing. Ramsey and Hennepin counties rank high in vulnerability due to economic and historical barriers that disproportionately impact Black, Latino, and Native American communities.
For example, out of 43 ZIP codes in Hennepin County, 17 are classified as “most” vulnerable, and 12 ZIP codes in Ramsey County share that highest ranking.
In Minnesota, the history of redlining plays a crucial role in understanding the current landscape of resource deserts and social vulnerability.
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) was created in 1933 as part of the New Deal to provide relief to homeowners at risk of foreclosure. HOLC created “residential security” maps of major American cities. These maps later were used by loan officers, appraisers, and real estate agents to evaluate lending risk.
Neighborhoods considered high risk or “hazardous” were “redlined,” denying them access to investment that could improve the housing and economic opportunity of residents. These areas were predominantly inhabited by Black and immigrant populations, leading to systemic disinvestment and exclusion from essential resources.
Historical redlining has gone unremedied and is the root cause of many disparities in the state. As Professor Samuel Myers Jr. noted in his research essay “The Minnesota Paradox,” “racist policies were ‘baked in.’”
The legacy of redlining has left enduring impacts, particularly in urban neighborhoods. Communities that once were categorized as undesirable continue to struggle with higher poverty rates and lower access to grocery stores and healthcare facilities, including pharmacies.
For instance, research shows that neighborhoods with historical redlining patterns lack supermarkets, forcing residents to rely on convenience stores that often sell unhealthy options at inflated prices. (On page 7, meet a local entrepreneur who is helping to reverse food access inequalities.)
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 in 7 households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with this issue disproportionately affecting low-income, Black, and Hispanic families. In Minnesota, these disparities are stark as many communities, particularly those with a higher concentration of racially marginalized groups, face challenges in accessing both nutritious food and quality health care.
Food access in Minnesota is particularly evident in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where gentrification and ongoing socioeconomic inequalities further complicate the landscape. The term “food desert” increasingly is criticized for suggesting that the lack of food access is a natural occurrence, neglecting the structural forces that created these disparities. A more accurate term, researchers say, is “food apartheid,” reflecting intentional policies and practices that historically marginalized certain communities.
Many low-income neighborhoods in Minnesota still experience significant barriers to accessing fresh produce and nutritious foods. The Covid-19 pandemic only heightened these disparities, leading to increased financial strain on already vulnerable populations.
In Hennepin County, 7.7% of residents rely on SNAP benefits to help meet their basic food needs, while in Ramsey County 11.1% rely on SNAP. Angela Conley, the Hennepin county commissioner of District Four, said, “When people can’t afford to eat or maintain a healthy lifestyle, something drastic needs to happen on the policy level.”
In addition to food access, healthcare disparities further exacerbate the challenges faced by residents. Researchers have defined medical deserts as “areas where population health care needs are unmet partially or totally due to lack of adequate access or improper quality of healthcare services caused by insufficient human resources in health or facilities, long waiting times, disproportionate high costs of services, or other socio-cultural barriers.”
Access to quality health care often is limited in neighborhoods historically affected by redlining, which have fewer hospitals and healthcare facilities. Studies have shown that these areas not only experience higher rates of chronic diseases but also suffer from higher mortality rates due to preventable illnesses.
Across the Twin Cities, around 276,659 people, or roughly 15% of the combined population, have incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level—the threshold for Medicaid eligibility. Despite eligibility, 9.3% of this low-income population remains uninsured.
The employment landscape doesn’t necessarily improve healthcare access; 4.8% of full-time, year-round workers in the region are uninsured despite having stable employment.
In Hennepin County, where 81.8% of residents are employed, a significant percentage remains uninsured—5.5% among employed residents and a staggering 16.5% among the unemployed. Ramsey County shows similar issues, with 6.4% of employed residents uninsured and 15.6% of unemployed residents without coverage.
These gaps indicate that hard work alone does not ensure access to health care, reflecting structural barriers even for those with steady employment.
The combination of food insecurity and inadequate healthcare access creates a vicious cycle in which poor nutrition exacerbates health problems, further limiting individuals’ ability to obtain necessary care. More than 10% of residents in Ramsey County don’t have access to a vehicle, and 8.9% of residents in Hennepin County reported not having a vehicle.
A lack of transportation options compounds these issues, as many residents without reliable vehicles struggle to get to grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and pharmacies.
Addressing the disparities in food and healthcare access in Minnesota requires a multifaceted approach. In 2020, Commissioner Conley and District Two Board Chair Irene Fernando authored a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Hennepin County.
That resolution resulted in Hennepin County pledging to address health disparities and advance racial equity within the county’s services and operations. Hennepin outlined a comprehensive strategy for disparity reduction, focusing on social determinants of health such as education, employment and housing.
Community-driven solutions, including urban farming and local food cooperatives, are increasingly being considered to empower residents and help build resilient food systems—with a caveat. Proponents note that it’s crucial to implement these initiatives in a way that does not lead to green gentrification, where improved amenities displace long-term residents.
“Hennepin County, as the public health agency, is actively working towards food security,” Conley said. “We have expanded our urban farming, which brings food to communities utilizing vacant land, and we’ll be expanding more next year. This is a huge example of how we can contribute to communities so we can aid in their growth and development of self-sufficiency.”
Disparities in food and healthcare access in Minnesota’s resource deserts reflect a legacy of systemic racism and disinvestment that continues to impact marginalized communities. Understanding the historical context of redlining and other racist policies is vital to addressing these inequalities.
By implementing targeted policies and fostering community engagement, Minnesota can move toward a future where all residents have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive.
County data reflects the harsh reality many of us face: Resource deserts exist in Minnesota, impacting our access to food and health care. However, the responsibility is not solely on officials’ shoulders—it is a shared duty between local leaders and residents.
One way communities can do this is by knowing their elected officials and ensuring they vote for candidates who care about such issues. These representatives have the greatest power to answer the needs of communities, Conley said.
“I want everyone to know that the County Board is the second largest level of government in this state. We have a budget of $3 billion, and we impact every aspect of their lives—whether it’s the roads they drive down, the healthcare benefits they’re trying to access, the food they want to grow, where their trash goes, everything,” Conley said. “Being informed is essential and this information should be easily accessible.
“I urge everyone to take the initiative to connect with your local leaders,” she added. “City council members and county commissioners are accessible and eager to hear from you.”
If you or those you care about are impacted by a lack of access to resources, Conley advises emailing your local officials, attending local meetings, and voicing your concerns. Identify the issues that demand urgent attention and identify who to call regarding them.
Your engagement can help shape the policies that directly affect our lives.
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com.