Food security, whether situated within or outside metropolitan areas in the United States, has become a pressing issue in recent years.
Areas across the country have rapidly become food deserts, relying on a singular supermarket such as Walmart for basic needs. Sadly, without these supermarkets, communities would be left stranded for miles without access to food besides driving for miles to the closest store.
While there are many solutions to provide alternatives, be it food drives and other volunteer efforts, urban areas have seen the corner store as one of the more viable solutions for food security.
Despite not having an expensive inventory like your average supermarket. Corner stores have played a pivotal role in providing communities with food and basic needs.
Corner stores provide a great way to foster relationships within the local community, especially if the store is owned by residents within that specific area. Corner stores can provide a necessary third space for people to linger and not have to travel far to get food. Additionally, this can help customers who have mobility issues.
That said, corner stores often have to compete against the supermarkets that are dominating the grocery industry. This will likely mean that business owners will have to find a way to differentiate themselves by providing cheaper prices or offering options that promote easier access for low-income individuals. Offering hot food, cultural food or even deli services could be an additional boon to the business.
