Zoning/development policies should allow for neighborhood grocery stores, ie reduced setbacks, no parking minimums, etc. Density needs to come first so that grocery stores are viable financially in certain areas.

I think I would literally scream if one more Dollar General was built in Northeast Winston Salem. I work from home and have to plan to go grocery shopping, when I do not do so online. Food Lion is available but does not have many of the options my family opts for. Thus, I must travel 5-10 miles for simple items; local honey, heart healthy oils and butters, decent paper goods, fresh (non-traditional) produce and herbs, and fresh seafood and fish. The same is true if I want to support local farmers directly. The only dependable Farmer's Market I am aware of is in Greensboro. I know I have the option to sell my house and move, but that would not address the issue of food insecurity in this area.

I wish the city would be more serious about making grocery stores invest in east WS

As someone with reliable private transportation and sufficient financial resources, the conventional food system works marvelously. I even have leisure time to contribute to my household economy by tending a large vegetable garden. I don't think we need "alternative" solutions for those who lack transportation and financial resources. We need policies that produce equitable pay standards, expanded food-related financial assistance and the development of traditional food resources in under served communities. Farmers' Markets, community gardens and mobile markets are marginal solutions. Even in well-resourced communities, these initiatives have a fractional impact on the food economy. The pursuit and implementation of alternative food pathways and economies is important, perhaps even morally imperative, but with a food system that functions well for many residents it seems like a greater impact can be achieved by expanding access to that system through a more equitable distribution of grocery retail centers and perhaps more robust public transportation to existing centers.

I would love to see a supported network that includes churches, BIPOC farmers, and farmers markets closer to communities (or even scaling what already exists-- Liberty Market and HOPE of WS market). Of course, I would love to see more investment in the lower income communities to support a grocery store/produce market. Maybe also include one by the bus stop downtown.

I appreciate that the city is thinking of solutions around food security and food system work in W

It’s insulting to insinuate mobile food markets, community gardens etc. can address the issue of food deserts when the root of the problem is city’s disinvestment in these areas and the city’s inability to make these areas attractive for necessary viable commercial development (This means mostly areas east of 52). Trash on the roads, broken, missing and substandard lighting and vandalism don’t inspire confidence for any type of investment, just feckless leadership. This is unfortunately true for too many areas in the city.

Although there are regular farmers markets held throughout the town (which usually sell the same items) I am unaware of the location of ANY permanent produce market in the city. With very few exceptions store offerings are typically mediocre and very limited in variety. There don’t seem to be any stores where certain fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased (Chard, jicama, artichoke, starfruit?!? Good luck!

I live in Ardmore and there are SEVEN grocery stores within a mile of me. I think there's only one Food Lion serving all of East Winston. This is unacceptable. WalMart built a new grocery store on Stratford Rd. when Hanes Town was demolished. The city SHOULD have required them to build one in East Winston first. There should be a moratorium on building permits for grocery stores west of 52 -- we have enough. If we want to reduce food insecurity and provide equal access to food for all citizens, building grocery stores in East Winston should be a priority.

We should also encourage local food vendors to have small produce "stands" in East Winston, too. Churches, non-profits and businesses should be encouraged to host farmers' markets in their parking lots during the week.