Revitalizing Anchorage: How One Neighborhood is Combatting Food Deserts After Losing a Historic Grocery Store

Residents of Fairview, Anchorage, are feeling a pinch after the local Carrs grocery store closed its doors this month. This closure has been tough for many, especially since a lot of folks in the area rely on walking to get their food and medicine.

Community members like S J. Klein, a board member of the Fairview Community Council, voiced their concerns. “Losing that store is like losing a piece of our community,” Klein mentioned, emphasizing the need for another market to take its place.

In response to the closure, Fairview residents rallied to persuade local leaders to act. They successfully pushed the Anchorage Assembly to pass an ordinance aimed at preventing future grocery store closures from creating food deserts—areas with limited access to nutritious food. This new rule blocks certain grocery stores from using restrictive terms in sales contracts to keep potential competitors away from their former locations.

Food access issues aren’t unique to Fairview. Nationwide, grocery stores often employ such tactics, which can stifle competition. According to a report by Civil Eats, grocery closures contribute not just to lost jobs and fresh food access but also weaken community ties.

City officials are stepping in to help. They’re working on altering bus routes and launching shuttle services to aid residents trying to reach grocery stores and pharmacies. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance expressed concern about the effects of the closure on community health, stating that discussions with Albertsons/Safeway are ongoing to find solutions.

Historically, the Carrs store at Gambell has been more than just a grocery store. First opened in the 1950s, it was a key player in advancing civil rights in Anchorage, hiring the first Black employee in a public-facing role after community protests. Over the decades, it survived various challenges, adapting as the neighborhood changed.

Kyle Mielke, a new Fairview resident, shared how hard it has been for his family since the closure, especially with a baby on the way. “We chose this place because it was close to the store. Now what used to be a quick trip has turned into a long trek,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, local initiatives are on the rise. Maria and Chris Crawford, who run a food pantry in the area, are seeing increased demand and are considering starting a rideshare program to get residents to grocery stores. “Even if it’s just a mile away, it feels much longer when you’re carrying groceries back home,” Maria remarked.

In similar scenarios across the country, when a grocery store closes in a low-income area, the impact can be severe. Communities may take years to recover, and access to fresh produce becomes a critical concern. Tina McKim from Bellingham, Washington, spoke about how the closure of their local grocery store led to job losses and the evaporation of a community hub.

The Fairview ordinance, passed with support from community advocates like Harrison Smith, aims to prevent the same fate as Bellingham’s. Supported by a 10-2 vote in the Assembly, the move intends to underscore the importance of retaining grocery options in neighborhoods like Fairview.

This situation reveals the deep connections between local food access and community life. As Fairview residents face uncertainties, their resilience and unity shine through. They are not just hoping for a solution but actively crafting pathways to ensure their neighborhood remains a vibrant and accessible place to live.



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