Podcast Summary: Upzoned – "Can We Take Community Wealth Back From Walmart and Kroger?"

Release Date: March 19, 2025 | Host: Strong Towns (Abby Newsham and Edward Erfert)

In this engaging episode of Upzoned, hosted by Abby Newsham and guest Edward Erfert, the discussion delves deep into the pervasive issue of food deserts in the United States. Drawing insights from Stacy Mitchell's article, "The Great Grocery: How a Federal Policy Change in the 1980s Created the Modern Food Desert," the conversation unpacks the historical, economic, and social factors contributing to the dominance of large grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger, and explores viable strategies to reclaim community wealth through local grocery initiatives.

1. Historical Context: Federal Policies and the Rise of Food Deserts

The episode begins with Abby summarizing Mitchell's article, highlighting how the 1980s changes in federal policy, specifically the weakened enforcement of the Robinson Patman Act of 1936, paved the way for large retail chains to overpower smaller, independent grocers. This shift led to the closure of numerous local grocery stores, especially in low-income and rural areas, thereby giving rise to food deserts—regions with limited access to affordable, healthy food options.

Abby Newsham notes:

"We saw a significant shift to the secession of enforcement of the Robinson Patman Act of 1936... large retail chains leverage their buying power to secure lower prices from suppliers, and that disadvantaged smaller independent grocers who couldn't operate with these reduced prices." (04:00)

2. Economic Impacts: Local vs. National Grocery Chains

Edward Erfert shares a personal connection, recounting his family's closure of a local meat market in Columbus, Ohio, due to these economic pressures. He emphasizes the detrimental impact large chains have on community wealth, as money spent at national retailers often flows out to corporate headquarters rather than staying within the local economy.

Edward Erfert explains:

"A dollar that's spent at a locally owned grocery store or market circulates within the community far more than a dollar that is spent at a national chain." (11:17)

This circulation of money is crucial for building economic resilience and supporting local families and businesses. Abby adds that while national chains do employ local workers, the broader economic benefits favor local businesses significantly more.

3. Physical and Community Aspects of Grocery Stores

The conversation shifts to the physical footprint and community integration of grocery stores. Abby draws parallels between the evolution of grocery stores and schools, noting how both have become larger, more centralized, and less embedded within neighborhoods. Large supermarkets often require extensive parking and infrastructure, making them isolated from the communities they serve.

Abby reflects:

"Grocery stores are a lot like schools where the sites have gotten bigger over time, they've become more consolidated, there's a lot more parking these days, they're much less integrated into neighborhoods." (08:00)

Edward critiques the design of big chain stores, likening them to "giant warehouses" that prioritize efficiency and land consumption over community engagement and usability.

4. Bottom-Up Solutions: Reclaiming Community Wealth

Transitioning to solutions, Abby and Edward advocate for bottom-up strategies to support local grocery initiatives. They discuss various community-driven approaches such as farmer's markets, blessing boxes, and innovative use of existing spaces to foster local food distribution.

Edward shares a successful example:

"Bushel and Peck... started out with products you would expect of farmer's markets and has grown into a cherished community hub." (31:45)

Abby highlights the importance of making these alternatives efficient and convenient to integrate seamlessly into daily life, ensuring they serve as viable replacements for conventional grocery shopping.

5. Case Studies and Practical Implementations

Several case studies are discussed to illustrate effective local strategies:

• Bushel and Peck in Kansas City: An extension of a local farmer's market housed in a historic building, which provides space for small independent grocers and supports local farmers by offering fresher, locally-sourced products.

• Chattanooga Urbanist Society Initiatives: Initiatives like repurposing old refrigerators to store perishable goods and creating blessing boxes to distribute excess food showcase innovative community solutions.

• Ultra-Small Retail Models: Examples from Muskegon, Michigan, and West Virginia demonstrate how micro-scale operations can successfully meet local needs without competing directly with large chains.

6. Overcoming Barriers and Encouraging Local Entrepreneurship

The hosts emphasize dismantling local barriers such as restrictive zoning laws, high rental costs for prime locations, and stringent sign ordinances that hinder the establishment of small-scale grocery stores. They advocate for flexible zoning codes and supportive municipal policies that encourage entrepreneurial efforts in the food sector.

Abby emphasizes:

"The greater that barrier to entry is, the less creativity you're going to see." (36:36)

Edward concurs, urging communities to allow experimental and flexible approaches to food distribution, thereby fostering environments where local businesses can thrive alongside or even beyond traditional models.

7. Conclusion: The Resilience of Local Models

Concluding the discussion, Edward asserts the inherent resilience of local grocery models compared to national chains. He points out that smaller businesses can adapt more swiftly to community needs and maintain stronger feedback loops, allowing for better responsiveness to local preferences and economic fluctuations.

Edward concludes:

"Local is going to win out... a corner grocery store has a lot more resiliency to it." (39:05)

Abby and Edward underscore the critical role of community support and adaptive local strategies in countering the dominance of large grocery chains, advocating for a collective effort to restore and maintain community wealth through localized food systems.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Local Solutions

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt exchange about personal gardening projects, symbolizing the broader theme of nurturing local growth and sustainability. Abby and Edward's camaraderie and shared passion for community resilience encapsulate the spirit of Upzoned, leaving listeners inspired to consider their roles in fostering stronger, more self-sufficient communities.

Join Abby Newsham and Edward Erfert in future episodes as they continue to explore and "Upzone" significant stories impacting the Strong Towns movement.