Within the next few months, candidates for political seats in the District, including city council and mayor, will begin to file the appropriate paperwork and begin their campaigns.
Candidates will undoubtedly talk about major issues including affordable housing, crime, statehood for D.C., and the city budget.
But we wonder who will confront the still unresolved elephant in the room and one of the biggest challenges that have frustrated residents in Southeast D.C for decades – the lack of healthy food options.
Often referred to as food deserts, the inadequate number of grocery stores located in Southeast has long been a problem that tends to be discussed before candidates are elected, but not after.
What citizens deserve to hear are not more lofty proposals that may or may not become reality, but real solutions. We need brick-and-mortar buildings and healthy, affordable meats, vegetables and other produce now.
Shoppers Food in Capitol Heights, Md., is slated to shutter its doors on or before Nov. 8, along with several other of its stores. Discount Mart in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, has also slashed prices and is allegedly considering closing as well.
The situation remains grim in many parts of Wards 7 and 8, as there are no grocery stores or fast-food outlets that are within walking distance. Ask a single mother with children in tow, a senior citizen who lacks the strength to carry heavy bags on their backs, or an adult with disabilities how they feel about life in the desert.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plans for a new grocery store in Ward 7 to anchor the Capitol Gateway Marketplace at East Capitol Street NE and 58th Street NE is a step in the right direction, bringing a store within one mile of an additional 10,700 residents living east of the Anacostia River.
Further, it’s great that in October, an independent market opened in Ward 8, the Marion Barry Avenue Market & Café, which offers over 900 items with a focus on high-quality, healthy foods that reflect the community’s culture.
But two stores will only put a dent in resolving the dilemma.
It’s time to offer Southeast residents the same access other Washingtonians have when it comes to healthy foods in order to address disparities and work toward true equity.