Supermarkets: Shopping done “rite?”

Camden, New Jersey is considered one of the worst food deserts in the United States. Camden experiences widespread poverty and food insecurity, in part due to the lack of an accessible, traditional grocery store for residents. Camden currently has a Pathmark store, but it will actually be closing in the upcoming month.

With the dire situation in Camden, it is no wonder why many residents were ecstatic when it was announced that ShopRite would be building a supermarket in the city. However, the announcement of the location was anything but celebratory.

The ShopRite will be located along the Admiral Wilson Boulevard, which is the primary pathway between South Jersey and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Due to the location, many Camden residents do not think the ShopRite (scheduled to open in 2015) is being designed with their best interests in mind. In fact, many believe that the supermarket is being constructed in an area to attract commuters on their way to or from Philadelphia.

The location of the anticipated ShopRite is not convenient for those that need it the most. The area it is being built in is neither pedestrian nor bike friendly. Not to mention, it is actually difficult to access by public transportation. Again, this is less than ideal for citizens of Camden, where cars are not abundant.

In addition, the projected location of the supermarket is actually not in an area that the United States Department of Agriculture considers a food desert. The south and the west sectors of Camden qualify as extreme food deserts, but the other portions are not technically food deserts. This does not mean they are not in need, rather it is largely due to the fact that these areas are closest to the suburbs. Nonetheless, this is where the ShopRite is to be built.

Many stores in the Camden County area have small food selections, so it is important for Camden to have an accessible store with a full line of fresh and healthy products. While the existence of such a store will not cure all the problems in Camden, many residents see it as a positive step. Many of the local markets in the area are struggling, and while citizens do not want a large chain to drive them out, they recognize the food needs of the area. While there are numerous concerns, hopefully the larger chains (like ShopRite) can find a way to work in partnership and solidarity with the residents of Camden County.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/58143-planned-shoprite-unlikely-to-solve-camdens-food-desert-problem?linktype=hp_topstory

http://www.nj.com/camden/index.ssf/2013/04/new_shoprite_coming_to_lawnsid.html

http://www.shoprite.com/about-us/

Written by Stacey Terlik