Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Staff
W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News
Worcester, Massachusetts – A Price Chopper supermarket located at 50 Cambridge Street in Worcester would be permanently closed at the end of January. In a clear statement, Market 32/Price Chopper president Blaine Bringhurst reported the closing became very understandable to the retail resources with the needs of the grocery supermarket.
“Closing a store is never easy,” said Bringhurst. “This decision was made to ensure the Company’s long-term health so we can continue to evolve and provide an exceptional experience to our customers and the communities we serve.”
The in-store pharmacy would be closed on January 30, and the company progressed with a close-by pharmacy to secure the adjustment of prescription records. The whole grocery store would be demolished on January 31.
Grace Sliwoski, director of programs for the Regional Environment Council, reported that the closure raises concerns about affordable, healthy, and organic food in neighborhoods across the city of Worcester.
It’s the second major grocery store in Worcester to close within the span of three months,” said Sliwoski. “Food insecurity rates in Worcester have continued to increase post-pandemic, and it’s a problem that is more profoundly felt in certain neighborhoods of Worcester.”
The concept of Regional Environmnental Council is to support bringing healthy, organic, and fresh food to Worcester, frequently provide its Mobile Farmers Market van towards to huge apartment buildings and neighborhoods throughout the city.
Sliwoski reported that, in some neighborhoods, food insecurity rates could be rise as 38%. One of the major barriers people challenge that is the accessible of transportation in sense of higher food price.
“We know that folks face a variety of different barriers in being able to meet their food needs,” said Sliwoski. “But two of the biggest challenges that people face are price and proximity. Not being able to afford health food for their families, or not being able to easily get to a retail access point where they can purchase that food.”
But as some grocery stores had troubles with maintaining opening, according to Sliwoksi. The REC tried their hardest to address their cuts to the Healthy Incentive Program, which progressed successfully in SNAP to gain benefits for those who purchase healthy foods.
“Unfortunately, that program funding was cut in December, so families who are able to receive up to $80 a month are currently only receiving $20, said Sliwoski. “This is a compounding challenge for Massahusetts families all across the state, but we’re certainly seeing it here in Worcester at our farmers markets at a time when food insecurity rates are very high.”
City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who addressed many who lived in the Worcester area, and frequent shop at the Price Chopper, released the statement:
“I found out about the closing yesterday, after the late city council meeting. I was not notified in advance, and I don't believe anyone else was either. I haven't been able to connect with the city manager yet, but I do plan to advocate with the company to reconsider the closure, as it affects many residents in Districts 5 and 4. As you know, efforts to prevent Shaw's from closing were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, I don't believe we have much leverage over corporate chain companies when it comes to advocating for our resident’s needs.”
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