How the Buffalo shooting exposed the food desert problem for residents in that area

Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen. Last May’s shooting massacre at the Tops grocery store in East Buffalo brought the issue of limited access to fresh food options in that neighborhood to light, as it is the only supermarket serving the community. Pridgen said providing new fresh food stores in underserved areas will take more than an investment of money. Addressing transportation, housing, and employment needs, he said, is the key to enticing major supermarket chains to open new stores. He said the city is also working with local entrepreneurs to open smaller grocery stores to increase access to healthy food choices for families, but he wants to see more government programs to incentivize supermarket development. Pridgen also discussed how food pantries are helping to fill the gap for families who do not qualify for SNAP benefits.