[the key], originally uploaded by jehza

The Lost Supermarket: A Breed in Need of Replenishment:

The supermarket closings — not confined to poor neighborhoods — result from rising rents and slim profit margins, among other causes. They have forced residents to take buses or cabs to the closest supermarkets in some areas. Those with cars can drive, but the price of gasoline is making some think twice about that option. In many places, residents said the lack of competition has led to rising prices in the remaining stores.
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“Many people in low-income neighborhoods are spending their food budget at discount stores or pharmacies where there is no fresh produce,” said Amanda Burden, the city’s planning director. “In our study, a significant percentage of them reported that in the day before our survey, they had not eaten fresh fruit or vegetables. Not one. That really is a health crisis in the city.”

I count myself lucky that I have four major supermarkets within a 10 minute walk in Greenpoint. Which makes my Walk Score very high. In fact, friends have resisted moving away from my neighborhood because almost every apartment they have looked at has no accessible grocery stores.