What Next | Daily News and Analysis Can More Grocery Stores Fix Food Deserts?
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Dec 19, 2024 Molly Parker, an investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica fellow, dives into the challenges of sustaining grocery stores in food deserts. She discusses the impactful opening of Rise Community Market in Cairo, Illinois, and its significance in alleviating local food scarcity. The conversation highlights the hurdles small grocers face against corporate giants like Walmart, the social implications of food access, and potential community solutions to support local businesses and foster well-being in underserved areas.
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Rise Community Market Grand Opening
- Rise Community Market opened in Cairo, Illinois, in June 2023 after the town lacked a grocery store since 2015.
- The grand opening was celebrated with a festive atmosphere and signs proclaiming "We are no longer a food desert."
Food Deserts and Community Impact
- Access to groceries is crucial, especially in low-income communities.
- Food deserts, areas with limited grocery access, are often found in distressed communities affected by redlining and white flight.
Food Desert Demographics
- Food deserts are primarily located in low-income, distressed areas, both urban and rural.
- These areas are disproportionately populated by people of color due to historical redlining and white flight.