Suburban Desert

When there aren’t enough sources of fresh food in an urban or rural area – it’s called a food desert.  Could this be happening in suburbia, too?

Over the past year, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend.  Supermarkets are closing.  Right here in the burbs.  At least three within a few miles of each other.  What’s going on?

Some speculate that competition from the big chains is causing these food stores to “underperform.”  Without supermarkets, it tends to make people turn to fast food.  We’re being overfed and undernourished. 

All I know is that it makes me sad. Sad that I can’t jump in my car and pop over to Pathmark.  Sad that my mom can’t step out her apartment and stroll to Superfresh. But mostly, I'm sad for the people who lost their livelihood. 

There’s always hope, though. I heard that a new market is making plans to occupy one of the empty spaces.  I know I'll never take this oasis for granted again.