Englewood is on the edge of becoming a food desert with Whole Foods closing its doors this November of 2022. After six years of Whole foods having its doors open, it is saying goodbye to the 68th neighborhood of Chicago. However, this will have a negative impact on the community. It was one of few grocery stores that provided fresh and good quality produce.
Before Whole Foods was opened back in 2016, Englewood was considered a food desert. Many from the community lined up for the opening, they were happy and excited that more fresh food was arriving. Since the store is closing, families are upset and worried. Mayor Lori Lightfoot also expressed her disappointment and shock.
Wholefoods said that they regularly evaluate store performances, however, it was not working out therefore they have made the decision of closing six stores. Many are upset with Wholefoods response because the company got together with residents three years before opening to talk about what was going to work and what was not. Many believe that it was unfair a sit-down meeting was not made. More residents expressed their concerns since groceries stores are far from each other. Some are fortunate to drive but many take public transportation.
Not the only one:
Wholefoods were not the only store that closed when it was needed. Another case of a needed grocery store that closed was Aldi in Auburn Gresham all of a sudden closed. It was in neighborhood #71 right under #68. The store closed in June without telling the community that it had closed. Neighbors said that all they saw was the banner on the closed store saying “This Store is Permanently Closed. Please visit our nearest location at 620 W. 63rd St.”
Many were confused and concerned, Although their new location is not too far from the old one, the distance still makes a difference, Along with Englewood, many Southside neighborhoods of Chicago tend to use more public transportation. A mile makes a difference, The further the store is, the fewer things they can buy, and have to trip more often, which isn’t convenient. Mayor expressed her disappointment with this store saying that the reason it failed was because of its high prices.
The Aldi closed in Auburn Gresham was not the only time they closed all of a sudden. Aldi had also closed one of its stores in west Garfield Park (another south-side neighborhood). The residents of that neighborhood said they didn’t realize the store was closing until the employees started taking down the Aldi sign and removing things from inside.
Many neighborhoods in the South Side are seeing large groceries stores, pharmacies, and restaurants leave the area, and slowly providing fewer and fewer food options for the people. This is a major concern that should be fixed soon.
What’s going to happen:
Many people from the community are going to Wholefoods and filling their shopping carts because after Wholefoods closes, the closest Wholefoods will be the one in Hyde Park. If no store takes over Wholefoods place soon, there might a food shortage again in Englewood. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she is working on it as fast as she can, and will make sure to bring a plan that can hopefully be permanent and always provide for the community.
The community and alderwoman Stephanie D. Coleman said that they are going to try to make sure the next store is:
- Affordable;
- Values the community;
- Has great service;
- Has good food options;
- And is committed to serving the Englewood Community.
The good thing is there are a few groceries still open, for example, the new Aldi that opened up on 63rd street. There is also a Go Green Community Fresh Market, and other small stores that can provide at least the minimum of groceries. No matter the zip code, every community needs a good amount of groceries.
Written by Adriana Castelan
Sources:
Book Club Chicago: Whole Foods Market Will Close Its Much-Touted Englewood Store In November
Block Club Chicago: Auburn Gresham Aldi Abruptly Closes, Leaving South Siders With 1 Less Grocery Store: ‘It’s One Hit After Another’
Chicago Sun-Times: Whole Foods is leaving Englewood, and city must find new oasis for a food desert
Chicago Sun-Times: Shoppers fill their carts during final days at Englewood Whole Foods: ‘Devastating’ for the community, customers say
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of A Healthier Michigan Flickr Page- Creative Common License
Inset Image by ChadPerez49 Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Common License
