NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A beloved corner store in Nashville has shut down after a winter storm caused a power outage, leaving residents in a food desert without access to groceries.
Freddie Robertson, the owner of the Piggly Wiggly on Dickerson Pike, has been unable to serve customers since the storm hit on Tuesday. Despite efforts by Nashville Electric Service crews, the store remained dark by Friday.
“It’s heart-wrenching to tell people they must walk another five miles for food after coming all this way in freezing temperatures,” Robertson shared. Many have walked long distances only to find the store closed, leaving them in a tough spot.
Douglas and Lisa Marie Chapa have tried visiting the store for two days, hoping the power would return. “It’s been like four days already,” Douglas said. Though he can’t process sales, Robertson has let a few hungry residents inside to grab essentials.
“That’s enough for at least two sandwiches. That’s one meal,” Douglas noted, expressing gratitude for Robertson’s kindness. The support extends beyond just individual customers; Deacon James Street picked up propane from Robertson to assist the homeless nearby, promising to repay him once power is restored.
“When he says he’s a neighborhood store, he truly means it,” Street remarked, highlighting Robertson’s commitment to the community.
Robertson has called on Nashville Electric Service to prioritize restoring power in areas that rely on local businesses for basic needs. “This is something you need to escalate. There’s a neighborhood going hungry,” he emphasized.
This isn’t the first time the Piggly Wiggly has faced long outages. Three years ago, tornadoes knocked out power for five days. Robertson mentioned that community support helped expedite repairs then.
The situation raises questions about broader access to food in disadvantaged neighborhoods. According to the USDA, food deserts affect nearly 39 million people in the U.S., where access to fresh food is limited. Studies show that lack of access to nutritious food can lead to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
As this current crisis unfolds, it’s clear that community support is vital. Robertson’s actions reflect not only the challenges faced but also the strength of community ties in times of need.
Source link
