government
Food Apartheid
By Fort Worth Weekly
· June 24, 2026
· 5 min read
The term “food apartheid” was coined by food justice advocate Karen Washington to highlight that lack of healthy food is not a natural condition but a system of segregation that divides people with access to abundant, nutritious food and those who are denied that access because of systemic injustice
Key takeaway In the 76104 ZIP code — an historically Black area comprising the neighborhoods of Morningside, Hillside, Southside, and Terrell Heights — life expectancy hovers around 66-67 years, the lowest in Texas.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The stark reality of food apartheid in Fort Worth 's 76104 ZIP code is a sobering reminder of the city's deep-seated health inequities. With a life expectancy of 66-67 years, the lowest in Texas, this historically Black area is a prime example of how systemic injustices can have devastating consequences. The lack of grocery stores and abundance of fast-food outlets in this community, despite being situated within the Medical District, is a glaring contradiction. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that policymakers prioritize the needs of marginalized communities like 76104. This includes addressing the root causes of food apartheid, such as redlining and disinvestment, and working to increase access to healthy food options. The Fort Worth City Council and Tarrant County government must take a proactive approach to bridging the health gap in communities like 76104, where diet-related chronic diseases are rampant.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Weekly . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Weekly ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The term “food apartheid” was coined by food justice advocate Karen Washington to highlight that lack of healthy food is not a natural condition but a system of segregation that divides people with access to abundant, nutritious food and those who are denied that access because of systemic injustice
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Fort Worth Weekly and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fort Worth Weekly. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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