TUCSON, Ariz. — A beloved grocery store in South Tucson, the Food City on Sixth Avenue, has closed its doors for good, leaving locals in a tight spot.
Opened in November 2000, Food City was more than just a place to shop. It had become a community hub. Residents like Mel Dominguez often stopped by not just for groceries but for snacks and a quick meal. “Sometimes we come here for lunch or get a couple of bolillos to make sandwiches,” Dominguez shared, highlighting how integral the store was to daily life.
The closure does not only affect regular customers; it poses a real challenge for vulnerable groups. Seniors and those without cars relied heavily on its convenient location. “If they don’t get what they need here, they have to walk or bike to other stores,” Dominguez added.
Patti Smith, who frequented the store since it opened, expressed her sadness about the closure. “It’s a loss for the community,” she said. “We come here every weekend for their tacos.”
According to a representative from Bashas’, the store’s owner, the decision to close was due to ongoing business struggles. With Food City out of the picture, residents now have to make longer trips to alternatives like El Super or Walmart.
The shift is felt in the community. “We love to shop. We need food,” Dominguez said, hoping another grocery store might come into the space.
Recent trends show that many communities are losing local grocery stores, leading to “food deserts,” areas where access to healthy food is limited. A USDA report highlighted that 23.5 million people live in food deserts in the U.S., affecting overall health and access to fresh food.
While Bashas’ has offered current Food City employees positions at other locations, the community’s concerns remain. The demand for accessible food sources is crucial. A local survey found that nearly 70% of residents felt grocery store access was a major issue, especially for seniors and families.
As South Tucson adjusts to this change, it echoes a wider national trend. The need for community spaces, like grocery stores, is more important than ever for creating connected neighborhoods.
For more insights on food access issues, you can refer to the USDA report here.
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