In 1992, fire destroyed the local supermarket in the low-income Upper Falls community of Rochester, NY. Having lost their only option for affordable, healthy food many neighbors were forced to travel long distances to outlying suburbs to shop at a full service supermarket. Over time the increased grocery shopping travel times and transportation costs became a real burden to low-income residents who made grocery purchases with food stamps.
Partners for Food, a multi-sector, inclusive partnership was organized to address this inequity and advocated for a local neighborhood grocery store. After six years of lobbying, demonstrating the economic impact and loss of revenue, building support from the diverse stakeholders including Mayor Johnson, TOPS, a Buffalo-based grocery chain, partnered with the City to bring a store to the Upper Falls neighborhood.
The new supermarket and shopping plaza is a pedestrian-friendly venue that includes a police station, retail stores, bank, and a medical office. It has transformed the neighborhood and enhanced the quality of life. Emerging research suggests that introducing supermarkets into urban, low-income communities can improve dietary behaviors. The Upper Falls community, not needing to drive, has a full service supermarket within walking distance that offers a variety of healthy food choices.
Goal
Improve access to healthy food options