Some residents in Milwaukee recently faced a setback when a grocery store designed to combat food deserts suddenly closed its doors. In 2023, Sentry Foods opened on the city’s northwest side, bringing much-needed fresh food to the area. Unfortunately, in January, they announced they would shut down for good. This closure is part of a larger pattern in the city, where grocery stores are disappearing from neighborhoods already struggling to access healthy food options.
Sentry Foods expressed their sadness, stating, “This decision was not made lightly. Many factors were carefully considered before coming to this difficult conclusion.”
Why Food Deserts Matter
Food deserts are a significant issue. According to the USDA, around 18.8 million people in the U.S. live in areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food. In Milwaukee specifically, it affects about 21% of the population.
Rising costs amplify the problem. Factors like inflation and climate change affect food prices and availability. For example, rising temperatures and pests have recently devastated tomato crops in India, leading to skyrocketing prices. Ironically, while many struggle to afford food, the U.S. wastes about 30-40% of its food supply each year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
What Can Be Done
Despite these challenges, many people and organizations are working to improve access to food in harder-hit areas. For instance, a community initiative in South Los Angeles, led by someone called the “Gangsta Gardener,” has turned vacant lots into edible landscapes, pushing the city to consider changes in its laws.
Moreover, services like Martie are addressing rising food costs by providing groceries and essentials at steep discounts, up to 80%. Martie uses surplus inventory to help prevent waste while making essentials more affordable.
Community efforts, innovative solutions, and awareness can pave the way for healthier, more equitable food access in cities like Milwaukee. For more tips on saving and reducing waste, consider signing up for informative newsletters that share practical ideas for smarter shopping and living.
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food desert, Sentry Foods, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, food forests, food supply, grocery store
