Food Deserts
Low-income areas of Chicago, and particularly the Englewood community, have been plagued by a lack of access to fresh and healthy grocery options. These areas have been called "food deserts," or sometimes "food swamps" to indicate the availability of cheap convenience food but the lack of traditional, full service grocery stores. The Englewood Square development aims to close the food desert gap. Through the Whole Foods Market, residents will have access to healthy food options and a full array of fresh produce. Additionally, Whole Foods will be partnering with local community groups and the Washburne Culinary Institute at Kennedy-King College to bring educational programs on healthy eating practices and natural foods to the Englewood neighborhood.
To learn more about Mayor Rahm Emanuel's initiative to eradicate food deserts in Chicago, click here.
To learn more about First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to reduce childhood obesity through food desert reduction, click here.