West Pullman Aldi Closes, Angering Chicago Residents
A Sudden Closure Leaves Neighborhood without Easy Access to Fresh Food
Residents of Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood are reeling after an Aldi store abruptly closed its doors, leaving many wondering where to access fresh food. According to the company, the store closed last month, with officials saying that all employees were offered transfers to nearby stores.
Community Left Scrambling
While the company claims no jobs were lost, the neighborhood’s loss of easy access to fresh food is a painful reality for residents to navigate. The neighborhood is also reeling from the loss of a Walgreens location, with lights still left on inside.
Alderman Speaks Out
Ald. Ronnie Mosley, who represents the city’s 21st ward, says the move feels like a slap in the face. “They didn’t understand the ramifications of this,” she said. “They didn’t understand they were the only grocer in all of West Pullman.”
The Issue of Food Deserts
The company issued a statement, saying that the closure is a “unique situation” and isn’t indicative of any larger trends in terms of shuttering stores. However, the issue of food deserts is one that has become more pronounced in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 13% of Americans, roughly 39 million residents, were living in low-income and low-access-to-food areas in 2022.
What is a Food Desert?
A “food desert” is defined as an area with low-income levels that are more than one mile (urban) or 10 miles (rural) from the nearest supermarket.
Solutions to the Problem
One of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed solutions to the issue was to implement a series of city-run grocery stores. According to a study by HR&A Advisors, three strategically placed stores could help address the bulk of the food deserts in the city. The stores would come with an upfront cost of approximately $26.7 million, according to the city.
Conclusion
The sudden closure of the Aldi store in West Pullman has left the community scrambling for fresh food options. While the company claims no jobs were lost, the impact on the community is clear. As the city continues to grapple with the issue of food deserts, it is essential to prioritize the needs of communities like West Pullman.
FAQs
* Why did Aldi close the store in West Pullman?
+ The company has not provided a clear reason for the closure.
* Were any jobs lost as a result of the closure?
+ According to the company, no jobs were lost, as all employees were offered transfers to nearby stores.
* What is being done to address the issue of food deserts in Chicago?
+ Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed implementing a series of city-run grocery stores to help address the issue.
