Food deserts are a problem in both urban and rural communities. Some communities have taken action, creating public, co-op, or nonprofit grocery stores. States are getting involved too: In August 2023, Illinois enacted the Illinois Grocery Initiative, allocating $20 million to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in food deserts throughout the state.
Public Grocery Stores: A Guide for Policymakers provides a framework for policymakers interested in understanding the case for public grocery stores and the practicalities—and challenges—in implementing them. Through a series of case studies, the Guide discusses cooperative grocery stores, nonprofit grocery stores, public-private partnerships, and publicly-owned stores, and offers important lessons for policymakers and communities that are trying to tackle food deserts.
3/18/24
VPA's new Guide discusses the problem of food deserts, the benefits of public grocery stores, case studies from around the country, and practical considerations in implementing public grocery stores.
Join our team of scholars, policy experts, and students working on cutting-edge issues in political economy and regulation.