Urgent Appeal: City Leaders Must Act Now to Combat Our Growing Food Desert Crisis

The recent closure of the Carrs-Safeway store on Gambell Street has left a noticeable gap in Anchorage’s Fairview neighborhood. Once a go-to grocery spot, its absence has created a food desert, especially for residents without cars. For many in the area, shopping there was convenient due to easy parking and a smaller, more manageable store. Now, those living nearby face challenges accessing fresh food.

Unfortunately, the Gambell Street Carrs was the last grocery store near downtown. While New Sagaya City Market is nearby, residents are forced to travel to Midtown for most grocery needs. This change impacts many who used to rely on local shops, where convenient access to food is crucial.

Local leaders in Anchorage need to rethink how they support communities. Beyond numbers and budgets, they could actively work to find another grocery chain to fill the void left by Carrs. One option could be Red Apple—a grocery chain based in the Pacific Northwest that already has a location in Anchorage. Bringing in a store like this could enhance community living by providing products that aren’t typically found elsewhere.

In a modern city, having essential services like grocery stores within walking distance is vital. As trends show, many people want to live in walkable communities where they can shop, work, and enjoy life without needing a car. The face of Anchorage is changing, and the city’s future depends on making it accessible for all residents.

Recent studies indicate that neighborhoods with easy access to groceries see higher health outcomes, as residents are more likely to consume fresh produce and maintain healthy diets. For Anchorage to thrive and attract more residents to downtown, meeting basic needs like grocery shopping has to be a priority.

Ensuring that residents have access to essential stores isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a vibrant, livable city where everyone can thrive. Let’s hope for a solution that brings grocery options back to Fairview, strengthening the community we all share.

— John A. Farleigh, Anchorage

References:
Anchorage Economic Development Corp. – Insights on urban living trends.
USDA Food Access Research Atlas – Food desert data and statistics.

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