Small Efforts in Fight Against Cincinnati Food Deserts

A major grocer in Ohio is trying to keep some of its smaller stores open in areas that would otherwise be food deserts. But profits are hard to come by, and stores continue to move out of town.

1 minute read

May 18, 2010, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Kroger's decision to close an unprofitable and aged store in Roselawn last month has spotlighted again a years-long debate over the role grocers and municipalities should play in providing residents with healthy food.

This time though, the issue is on stronger footing. Troubled by rising obesity rates, a local Food Access Task Force is working to identify communities with limited access to fresh and healthy food, areas it calls "food deserts." State and federal organizations have pinpointed examples of these deserts all over the country. President Barack Obama has made supermarket expansion and access to food key priorities in his 2011 budget."

A recent analysis by The Cincinnati Enquirer shows that grocery stores in the metropolitan area have steadily moved out of city neighborhoods and into outlying areas.

Sunday, May 16, 2010 in The Cincinnati Enquirer

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing