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From Fresh to Forgotten: Fighting Food Deserts
- Cynthia Williams
- Oct 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 24
On October 13, 2025, Gary Townmakers hosted a First Mondays at J's meetup where participants engaged in a discussion about challenges with accessing fresh foods in our community, and dialogue that explored solutions and food distribution alternatives. Participants were encouraged to share their grocery shopping habits and spending patterns, revealing a tendency to shop outside Gary and a disconnect between local availability and the amounts spent for food.
This issue was raised in light of recent, temporary health department closures of local food establishments, and the transportation issues some residents face in seeking out better food choices. A recent announcement to establish a food co-op in Gary was discussed, with questions raised about community engagement and participation. The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding market needs and behaviors, especially given the substantial annual spend by community residents on groceries.
Grocery Shopping Habits and Expenses
The conversation centered on grocery shopping behaviors, with participants sharing their shopping experiences. Of note, nearly all meetup participants spend the majority of their grocery money at establishments outside of Gary. Attendees were also asked to estimate their yearly grocery expenses, leading to insights that ranged from $2,000 to $3,000 for two people, with some individuals noting that those amounts are low because they eat out frequently. One participant mentioned having a garden, which contributes to their lower grocery costs.
Economic Leakage and Grocery Spending
Gary Townmakers conducted research to estimate the annual spend on groceries by Gary residents. Not surprising, the results mirror the stated behavior of participants: a significant disconnect between the money Gary residents spend on groceries and the amount captured by stores located within the city.
Total Demand: Gary's 27,432 households collectively spend approximately $182 million on groceries every year.
Total Local Supply: The grocery stores currently operating in Gary only sell an estimated $86.1 million worth of groceries annually.
The Leakage: This creates an economic "leak" of nearly $96 million. This means 52.7%, or more than half of all grocery money spent by Gary residents, leaves the community and goes to stores in neighboring towns.
The statistics are derived from the following sources and years:
Average Annual Household Grocery Spend ($6,634): This is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey for the 2022–2023 period.
Total Households (27,432): This number is based on the most recently available U.S. Census Bureau data.
Why This Information is Important for Gary
This $96 million figure is more than just a statistic; it's a powerful tool for community development, and here is why:
It Defines a Clear Economic Opportunity: The study proves this isn't a problem of poverty; it's a problem of access. The $96 million leakage is a massive, untapped market demand. It provides a data-driven business case to show potential investors and grocery chains that there is more than enough money in Gary to support several new, full-service supermarkets.
Addresses Food Deserts: When residents are forced to travel for basic needs, it signals a "food desert." This disproportionately hurts seniors, low-income families, and those without reliable transportation, often forcing them to rely on less healthy, more expensive options from convenience stores. This data quantifies the problem and helps justify public-private partnerships to improve food access and public health.
Creates Local Jobs: That $96 million is currently paying for jobs (cashiers, stockers, managers) in other cities. Capturing even a portion of that spending by opening new stores in Gary would create new, accessible jobs for Gary residents, keeping income within the community.
Increases the Local Tax Base: Every dollar spent in another town sends sales tax revenue to that town. Bringing that $96 million back to Gary would generate new tax revenue, which the city can then reinvest in public services like roads, schools, and public safety.
Promotes Community Wealth: When money is spent locally, it circulates. A dollar spent at a local grocery store pays a local employee, who then uses that money to pay rent or buy from another local business. This "economic multiplier effect" is essential for building community wealth, and it's currently broken by this leakage.
In short, this study changes the narrative from "Gary doesn't have good stores" to "Gary has a $96 million market opportunity waiting for the right individuals with the right idea." It gives us the hard data we need to develop a business case for building community-focused grocery options and a more self-sufficient local economy.
Community Support for Local Food Initiatives
Carmen McKee, the founder of the Oases Botanic Gardens, discussed her vision for food and fresh food alternatives in Gary and the challenges she encounters. The conversation emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting local food initiatives and creating accessible green spaces. Carmen's extensive connections in the food service and farming sectors are noted as valuable resources for the community.
McKee shared a vision for a diverse agricultural community that prioritizes nutrient-dense foods, giving mention to twenty-three (23) local farmers and their unique crops. She highlighted the challenges of gaining community trust and the need for support in purchasing organic products. McKee also noted the importance of education regarding the value of locally grown food.
McKee also highlighted the difficulties local farmers encounter, such as strict community standards and the need for improved visibility. She mentioned the importance of collaboration among farmers to fulfill community demand and the challenges of pricing compared to larger distributors. The conversation also touched on the significance of community trust and support in overcoming these obstacles.
Community Support and Agricultural Initiatives
The discussion highlighted the necessity for community support in making health resources more accessible and affordable. Participants shared insights on existing educational programs and the importance of understanding local agricultural practices. There was a call for collaboration to address community needs and to improve outreach efforts within the community.
Community Co-op Development and Local Food Distribution Models
The meeting addressed a vision for a food co-operative, anchored by a hub, designed to serve as a full-service grocery store, relying on membership dues for sustainability. Historical context was provided regarding a successful food co-op in Gary during the 1930s - 1950s, which underscored the potential for community-driven food distribution models. The conversation also touched on innovative initiatives like mobile markets to address transportation barriers and the need for support from community members to enhance access to health resources and promote healthier eating habits.
Community Food Hubs and Resources
The Farm on Ogden in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood was presented as a community food hub example, showcasing its aquaponics system and educational kitchen aimed at promoting healthy eating. It works through partnerships and community participation in utilizing local resources effectively. Additionally, the Purdue Master Gardener Program was suggested as an excellent resource to train more community members in gardening and expand local fresh, organic food offerings.
Key Questions:
* What are the main challenges faced by local farmers in selling their produce?
* How can the community support local farmers to ensure they can sell their products at fair prices?
* What educational programs are available to help the community understand the benefits of local food?
* How can the community change its mindset to support local food initiatives?
Action Items:
*Gary Townmakers will host a BIG Idea Weekend to explore food choice alternatives.
*Gary Townmakers will work with local farmers and community residents on developing a marketing strategy to raise awareness about local farms and their offerings.* Gary Townmakers will explore the possibility of establishing mobile markets to improve access to fresh food in the community.
