New grocery store opens on Milwaukee's north side as city battles recent closures
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Several grocery stores have closed in Milwaukee recently, turning several neighborhoods into so-called food deserts.
Monday morning was a welcome change for people on Milwaukee's north side, as Stark Foods opened its doors.
“Grocery store access is an important point, citywide,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
The grocery store sits at Teutonia and Hampton Avenue, in an area where options to shop are limited.
“You want to shop in your own neighborhood. You want amenities where you live,” said Alderwoman Andrea Pratt.
A food desert is defined as an area where people, typically low-income residents, have little to no access to fresh food.
“You can see it’s a desert here for the groceries,” said Baljit Singh-Gill, a partner at Stark Foods. “People need the grocery.”
There are at least 13 federally recognized food deserts in the city of Milwaukee.
“They got just as much food as your Pick 'n Save or Aldi or Sentry is going to have, so it’s a plus,” said customer Caprese Murphy.
Singh-Gil says everyone should have access to groceries in their neighborhood.
“We are happy. We are more than happy. As just yesterday it was Easter, and people were here for their groceries. And we are happy we fulfilled their needs,” said Singh-Gill.
People in the neighborhood say having a grocery store in their community is a blessing.
“It’s going to be a staple for the community. It’s a lot of people that don’t have food and stuff, and they can just come here and get hot food, cold food,” said customer Ray-Allen Neoson.