Indianapolis recently was ranked as the worst city for food deserts in the nation. Indiana as a whole saw an increase in food insecurity last year, even as the nationwide rate fell.

Marsh Supermarkets recently announced it will likely close all of its stores, therefore, access to fresh food for many people could become more challenging.

Hoosiers need more assistance with accessing and obtaining nutritious food, and the state hasn't funded programs addressing the issue. The responsibility of ensuring healthy food options exist in every community is currently up to local outreach organizations.

This week on Noon Edition our panelists talked about how food deserts form, the driving forces behind food insecurity, and what is being done to address these problems.

Guests:

Cynthia Stone: Clinical Professor, School of Public Health at IUPUI

Nathan Kring: Tipton County Economic Development Organization Executive Director

Lilly Brown: Ph.D Candidate in Anthropology and Food Studies at IU