Cleveland city council backs bill to fund grocery stores in food deserts

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cleveland City Council has passed a resolution supporting a state bill that would direct grant money to small grocery store owners in food deserts across Ohio.

House Bill 543, known as the Food Desert Elimination Grant Program, is currently before the Ohio General Assembly.

What the bill would do

If passed, the program would set aside $200,000 per year at the state level, with individual stores eligible for grants of up to $15,000.

The money would be used to help store owners stock fresh produce.

Councilman Richard Starr said food deserts are widespread across the state.

“There is about 1.3 million Ohioans who are living in food insecure neighborhoods,” Starr said.

Small stores face produce challenges

Anthony Carter manages Simply Food, a small grocery store in downtown Cleveland.

Carter said stocking fresh produce is a financial risk many small stores cannot absorb.

“For produce, the market fluctuates because of market conditions, so what we try to take advantage of is what would be the best sale price for our customers,” Carter said.

Carter said a program like this could help stores like his carry more fresh fruits and vegetables.

“It helps you not only keep the doors open but be of service to the community as well,” Carter said.

Cleveland pushing for state action

Starr said the city is prepared to move forward if the bill advances.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and put money back into the hands of grocery store operators in our neighborhoods — to get good quality food to our communities,” Starr said.

The bill remains before the Ohio General Assembly.