Healthy Corner Stores Fight 'Retail Redlining'

Small entrepreneurs are working to combat 'food deserts' by bringing fresh, healthy foods to communities lacking access to major grocery stores. But price continues to be a major factor in people's food choices.

1 minute read

September 13, 2021, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Corner Store

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock

In an effort to fight what some are calling "retail redlining," entrepreneurs across the country are opening corner stores focused on providing fresh, healthy foods to their communities, and, in some cases, gaining institutional support. As reported by Patrice Worthy, "Washington DC recently launched a $3m initiative to bring 'new food and retailers' to the wards 4, 7 and 8 in the city."

Small business owners need support to stock healthier foods, as "[m]any small businesses like corner stores don’t stock produce because it’s highly perishable and has a small profit margin with a lot of waste." 

Despite their romanticized appeal, "[t]hese community corner stores are only a small piece of what’s needed to give more people access to healthy food." According to Ellen Vollinger, legal director and director of advocacy on behalf of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap/food stamps) at the Food Research and Action Center, they key is the federal SNAP program, because "[t]he biggest barrier to healthy food is price according to a June report released by the US Food and Nutrition Service." Under new rules announced by the Biden administration, average SNAP benefits "which were $121 per person before the pandemic, will rise by $36 permanently." Meanwhile, corner stores can fill a critical gap in access for underserved communities.

Friday, August 27, 2021 in The Guardian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today