Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee to pursue Kroger store-closure follow-up after company misses meeting; community forum set Monday
Summary
A communication from Kroger about planned store closures in Milwaukee was discussed July 2 and held for further action; a community meeting is scheduled for Monday, and the committee flagged a city "fresh food access" fund as a possible incentive.
Alderman Charlotte Moore presented a communication from the Kroger Company about its decision to close several grocery stores affecting Milwaukee neighborhoods, and the Community and Economic Development Committee agreed July 2 to hold the item for further follow-up after Kroger representatives were unable to attend.
Alderman Moore said closures will affect neighborhoods where residents rely on the stores for close, walkable access to groceries. The committee noted a community meeting will be held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at 3624 W. North Ave. (Community Bridges/Metcalfe’s office) where Kroger representatives were invited as panelists. Moore asked colleagues to help identify options and partners to replace grocery access if needed.
Committee members identified immediate contacts to involve: the Department of City Development (DCD) staff — including staff members named Dave (Minsky), Matt and Dwayne Edwards — and encouraged outreach to community partners. Chair Alderman Russell Stanford II said he would circulate participation information to the public and committee.
The committee also noted an existing Fresh Food Access Fund created in prior years with roughly $100,000 intended to incentivize healthy grocery options. Chair Stanford II asked staff to determine the fund’s remaining balance and whether it could be used to attract replacement groceries or support community solutions.
Action taken Alderman Joe Costa Zamaripa moved to hold the communication "at the call of the chair." The motion passed by voice consent ("hearing no objection, so ordered"). Committee members said they will bring the matter back next cycle and pursue outreach to Kroger and DCD staff.
Why it matters Store closures in neighborhoods with limited grocery access can increase travel burdens for shoppers and worsen food-access inequities. The committee identified immediate steps including an upcoming public forum and outreach to DCD and nonprofit partners to seek interim options and longer-term solutions.
