North Minneapolis Grocery Stores closing at alarming rate

The north metro food landscape has changed dramatically the past two months. Three major food retailers in the area have permanently shut their doors to community.

ALDI was the first to announce its North Minneapolis store closure in early February, followed days later by the same news from the nearby Walgreens. Last week Walmart in Brooklyn Center joined the group announcing it will close in April, leaving only 2 grocery stores for more than 70,000 residents.

The closures worsen food access inequities for families in north Minneapolis, an area long impacted by systemic racism, grocery flight, and 3+ years of pandemic-induced strain. Families now have fewer grocery options that are nearby and affordable. Pressure on our Northside food access partners to fill in the gap and share accessible food is unprecedented.

Right now we can support our neighbors directly impacted. Our hunger relief partners in North Minneapolis provide essential foods and are more critical than ever in meeting the rapidly growing food needs. We need to come together as a community.

You can support on the ground work by making a gift to Northside partners directly:

Food in the Hood – Haven Pantry, Food in the Hood – North Mpls Food Shelf, Freedom Works, Great is thy Faithfulness, Greater Mt Vernon, Minneapolis Central Church of Christ, New Mt Calvary, New Oil, Northpoint Health and Wellness, NuWay, Salvation Army – Parkview, Shiloh Cares Food Shelf, St Olaf Lutheran Church, The Camden Collective, & The Camden Promise.

In hope and gratitude,

Sophia