MILWAUKEE — Some parts of Milwaukee have been facing a food-access crisis, after losing grocery stores. Over the past five years, major chains like Pick ‘n Save, Aldi, Walmart, Dollar General and Sentry have left neighborhoods, particularly on the city’s northside.
What You Need To Know
The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report lists some of the specific closings since 2021
City leaders referenced Wednesday’s grand opening of Metro Pantry at Locust and Humboldt, as a step in the right direction. It is in the building that used to house Dollar General, in the Riverwest neighborhood. That store closed in 2024
Brower said aldermen have already taken action to support more grocery store development in the city
Milwaukee’s common council approved a nearly $3 million relief package to help retain existing grocers and provide grants to new entrepreneurs looking to set up in underserved neighborhoods
The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report lists some of the specific closings since 2021.
This has led to thousands of people living in food deserts, where they are more than one mile away from somewhere to buy fresh food.
City leaders referenced Wednesday’s grand opening of Metro Pantry at Locust and Humboldt as a step in the right direction. It is in the building that used to house Dollar General, in the Riverwest neighborhood. That store closed in 2024.
“Fresh produce—it was not presented in the corner stores or the stores—and to have everything, this is the whole reason we wanted to open. We are trying to bring convenient, healthy choices,” said Aodui Saher, the owner of Metro Pantry. “Right here, whatever you need, we pretty much got.”
Suzanne Williams and her husband came to shop a few hours after the store opened.
“We usually have to drive a little ways to get decent stuff, and it would just be really nice, especially in the winter, because we’re old,” said Williams. “Old people like to stay close to home. We used to come here when it was a different store, so we’ve been kind of watching and seeing what was coming, and I’m very impressed.”
Metro Pantry is in Alderman Alex Brower’s district. He said this store represents the beginning of change.
“I would like to explore further options in the future where we could have quality food available to every single person in this city, regardless of zip code,” said Brower.
Brower said aldermen have already taken action to support more grocery store development in the city. Milwaukee’s common council approved a nearly $3 million relief package to help keep existing grocers and provide grants to new entrepreneurs looking to establish in underserved neighborhoods.
