Food deserts spark urgent call for grocery solutions

During a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted pressing community concerns regarding food accessibility and urban planning in Lakewood. A council member emphasized the urgent need for more grocery stores in Board One, which serves 22,000 households but currently has only three grocery stores, one of which may soon close. This situation has led to food deserts in the northern part of the city, prompting calls for a focused conversation on enhancing food security.

The council member pointed out the importance of distinguishing between primary and secondary food sources, advocating for policies that would encourage the establishment of more grocery stores rather than relying on convenience stores. They suggested that the lack of a food tax could be leveraged to facilitate better access to nutritious food options in the community.

In a separate discussion, the planning commission's approach to new gas stations was scrutinized. A council member inquired whether there had been any discussions about limiting the size of new gas stations, to which it was revealed that the commission had primarily focused on the proximity of these establishments rather than their size. The conversation touched on the economic implications of larger gas stations and the potential for unintended consequences, such as increased concentration in certain areas.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for strategic planning to address both food security and urban development challenges in Lakewood, with a commitment to further explore these critical issues in future discussions.