Commissioners want to consider incentives for grocers to build in food deserts

MECKLENBURG COUNTY — Almost 15% of Mecklenburg County residents live in an area that has low access to a supermarket, Health Department Director Gibbie Harris told county commissioners Thursday. That figure is higher than both the state and nationwide percentages.

A food desert is defined as a low-income census tract where a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store. Data presented to the Mecklenburg County Commission shows most food deserts in the county are in west and east Charlotte.

"I fight for Aunt Jane who can't fight anymore: for Uncle Tom because his legs are amputated: for Susan, who has cancer," said Commissioner Vilma Leake, who represents west Charlotte. "Babies, no future, no help. All I ask you to do is to help my people to come out of the desert."

Tackling food deserts is not a topic the county has seriously considered in the past. In a passionate discussion at the county retreat, leaders demanded that change.

"I know staff will come back with options, but, ‘no,’ is not going to get it. It is just not going to get it. It is not acceptable," said Commissioner Mark Jerrell, who represents east Charlotte. "People are relying on us to make the tough decisions."

Leaders directed County Manager Dena Diorio to send an invite to grocery store executives for a meeting. Chairman George Dunlap said tax dollars may be on the table as an incentive to get grocers to build in food deserts.

9 Investigates: Thousands in Charlotte struggle to find healthy food options 9 Investigates: Thousands in Charlotte struggle to find healthy food options

"We understand the bottom line is profitability, and if necessary, we can allocate the funding to make up the difference," Dunlap said.

Mecklenburg County leaders would also like to explore ways to encourage farmers markets to open in food deserts. The rideshare company Lyft is wrapping up a pilot program that offered $2 rides to residents of food deserts to the grocery store.

“It bothers me, as a woman, birthing children who come into a community already knowing they will fail because of poor education, poor medical care and poor living conditions,” Leake said. “We are getting ready to spend a whole lot of money for the (Republican National Convention) I haven’t heard anyone talk about spending money to clean up the desert.”

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