Beyond bodegas: affordable groceries through an innovative store format

摘要

Low-income areas often face a "grocery gap" whereby residents lack accessible grocery stores and must spend disproportionate resources to shop outside their neighborhood or purchase food at less desirable stores. Traditional grocery stores will not locate in these neighborhoods for market-based reasons. An alternative model appears feasible based on a literature review of current grocery industry practices and their theoretical application on a study neighborhood. The alternative store could be a satellite of a larger chain, stock a select product mix, and combine technology and customer service to provide groceries and community development. This model is promising: each part works profitably under market conditions, and planners are beginning to understand the need to work creatively with industry and communities to bring stores to underserved areas.