"There are places in both urban and rural communities where the market doesn't meet the moment," says Ameya Pawar, a former Chicago alderman who now works for the Economic Security Project, a nonprofit focused on fighting inequality. He emphasizes the need for institutions like banks and grocery stores that are deeply rooted in communities, reiterating that the focus on shareholder demands often neglects the fundamental health and wellbeing of local residents.
Pawar argues that attempts to use cash subsidies and tax credits to persuade the grocery industry into underserved areas have fallen short. The recent closures of multiple grocery stores underscore the inadequacy of these solutions, highlighting the gap in access to fresh food for community residents.
The report commissioned by Mayor Brandon Johnson's office suggests the city could establish a three-store network for $26.7 million to fill food deserts, making Chicago potentially the first major U.S. city to open a city-run grocery store.
In neighborhoods like West Englewood and East Garfield Park, where the median household incomes are significantly low, a large percentage of residents live more than half a mile from the nearest grocery store, illustrating the critical need for better access to food.
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