Gary addresses Grocery Store Closures, Paving the Way for Safer, Community-Focused food Access
Gary, Indiana – September 6, 2025 – Recent closures of several Gary grocery stores due to health adn safety violations have prompted swift action from city officials and ignited a community conversation about food access and economic empowerment. Mayor Eddie Melton announced Friday the reopening of Miller K Market and Save More following prosperous inspections, but emphasized these closures represent a critical step in holding businesses accountable and prioritizing resident well-being.
The closures, beginning August 21st, weren’t taken lightly. According to Mayor Melton, temporary shutdowns were necessary after “repeated, repeated warnings” went unheeded. ”Our residents deserve to trust the businesses that are serving their food,” he stated, highlighting the city’s commitment to public health.
Sam’s Grocery Store, located on 21st Avenue and Malcolm X Drive, was the first to be temporarily shuttered. Council President Lori Latham, D-1st, confirmed Miller K Market in the Miller neighborhood faced similar issues, citing “recurring health and fire code violations.” While acknowledging the market’s long-standing presence in the community, Latham stressed the necessity of compliance with city regulations.
These actions aren’t simply punitive. They’re part of a broader strategy to improve food security in Gary, a city grappling with the challenges of food deserts – areas where affordable, healthy food is tough to obtain. Mayor Melton announced increased GPTC bus service, free of charge, along the R3 and Broadway routes, to connect residents with alternative grocery options.The city is also collaborating with IU Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence to address the root causes of food insecurity.
A Community Response: From Crisis to Possibility
The closures have sparked a powerful response from local organizations.LaJuan Clemons, founder of the Family life Community Center and Gary Food Collective, views the situation as a “public health and economic emergency.” She points to the potential for diet-related illnesses, increased food insecurity, and financial strain resulting from limited access to nutritious food.
Though, Clemons frames this crisis as a catalyst for change. “Since 2016, I’ve been pleading with our community to rise up and reclaim our economic power by owning our own grocery stores,” she said. “Now, eight years later, we are building.”
The Gary Food Collective is actively working to address the problem head-on.Plans include reorganizing its board, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating the development of a locally-owned grocery store at 2113 Broadway. This isn’t just about replacing closed stores; it’s about building a enduring, community-driven food system.
What Sets the Gary Food Collective Apart?
This proposed grocery store model prioritizes local ownership, reinvesting profits back into the community, and expanding access to essential items like fresh produce, herbs, baby food, and locally sourced products. It’s a vision of food access rooted in dignity, justice, and self-determination.
“This is not just about grocery stores closing,” Clemons powerfully stated. “This is about survival.It’s about justice. It’s about dignity. We will not keep begging systems that were built to neglect us. We are building our own. Gary deserves better.”
how You can definitely help & Report Concerns:
Gary residents are encouraged to play an active role in ensuring food safety and advocating for improved access.
Report Health violations: Call 219-882-5565
Report Fire, Building, or Safety Issues: Call 219-881-1400
Learn More about the Gary Food Collective: [LinktoGaryfoodCollectiveWebsite-[LinktoGaryfoodCollectiveWebsite-[LinktoGaryfoodCollectiveWebsite-[LinktoGaryfoodCollectiveWebsite-replace with actual link*]This situation in Gary underscores a growing national trend: the need for proactive, community-led solutions to address food insecurity and build resilient local economies.The city’s response, coupled with the steadfast efforts of organizations like the Gary Food Collective, offers a promising path forward – one that prioritizes the health, well-being, and economic empowerment of its residents.
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