East Tampa Aims to Combat Food Desert with New Grocery Store Initiative

The East Tampa community is grappling with the reality of being a "food desert," lacking access to essential grocery stores. City Councilman Luis Viera is spearheading efforts to remedy this situation by advocating for the establishment of a traditional grocery store in the area. Residents currently rely on corner stores that often sell unhealthy food options, creating a significant barrier to accessing nutritious meals. Viera emphasized the logistical challenges families face, noting that a simple grocery trip can take up to two hours, which is particularly burdensome for parents and seniors. To counter this, he is collaborating with other city officials and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to create incentives that attract a major grocery chain to East Tampa.

A potential site for the grocery store has already been identified on North 29th Street and East Lake Avenue. This initiative is not only about improving food access but also about restoring dignity and respect to the working families in the area. The community is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a healthier and more sustainable food environment.