Attention Shoppers: South Tucson Food City to Tackle Drug Use and Loitering Issues This Fall!

TUCSON, Ariz. — The only full-service grocery store in South Tucson is set to close in October, and local leaders are working hard to address the challenges surrounding it. Efforts are underway to improve safety in the area and possibly bring in a new grocery option if the current store, Food City, cannot stay open.

Food City, located on South Sixth Avenue and East 29th Street, has experienced dwindling customer traffic. The store’s owner, Bashas’ Family of Stores, attributed this decline to changing shopping habits, declaring the site “no longer sustainable.”

Longtime resident Filiberto Zepeda expressed concern about the closure. “It really feels bad because it’s the only grocery store in South Tucson,” he noted. He believes factors such as the increasing visibility of homelessness and drug-related issues in the area are impacting foot traffic.

Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez highlighted the need for stricter law enforcement to address these problems. “Possession of fentanyl is against the law but no one enforces it,” he argued, calling for accountability and new programs to combat crime.

Meanwhile, South Tucson Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela acknowledged the criminal activity affecting the area, especially around the Food City plaza. As a response, the city is set to open a police substation to enhance safety and encourage new businesses to consider the area.

South Tucson is a small municipality with a population of just over 4,500. It’s facing significant challenges, including a poverty rate near 50% according to U.S. Census data. Mayor Valenzuela reassured residents that city officials are committed to ensuring they have access to essential services. The police substation could be up and running within a week, potentially providing much-needed support to the community.

As communities nationwide deal with similar issues of grocery store closures and safety concerns, South Tucson’s situation highlights the importance of active engagement between local governments and their residents. Addressing these issues requires collaboration and a focus on community safety to foster a positive environment for businesses and consumers alike.



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