Chicago considers city-owned grocery store network

CHICAGO, IL - Chicago is taking a bold step to address the persistent issue of food deserts, particularly on the city's South and West sides. A recent report commissioned by the city has proposed the creation of a three-store network of city-owned grocery stores. This initiative is aimed at improving food accessibility in neighborhoods that have been historically underserved by major grocery chains.

The concept, outlined in a 200-page report by consulting firm HR&A, suggests that the establishment of these grocery stores could be a sustainable solution to the city's food equity challenges. The proposal includes an estimated upfront cost of $26.7 million to build the stores, with the goal of providing reliable access to fresh groceries in areas where private retailers have failed to maintain a presence.

The city-owned stores are expected to operate differently from traditional grocery chains. The focus would not be on profitability but rather on ensuring that all Chicagoans have access to healthy food options. To make the stores viable, the report recommends a networked approach where more profitable locations could help subsidize those in less affluent areas. This model aims to address the economic disparities that have long plagued Chicago's food landscape.

The move comes as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson's broader efforts to combat food insecurity, a critical issue that has gained urgency as major retailers like Walmart and Whole Foods have shuttered stores in these vulnerable communities. By taking the reins on grocery retail, the city hopes to fill the gap left by these closures and provide a sustainable solution to the problem of food deserts.

While the proposal is still in its early stages, it represents a significant shift in how cities might tackle food equity issues, potentially setting a precedent for other urban centers facing similar challenges. If successful, Chicago could become the first major U.S. city to operate its own network of grocery stores, offering a new model for addressing food deserts nationwide​.