Officials Urge Solutions Months Post Pick ‘n Save Closure
Community leaders and local officials gathered on December 20 to address food access issues in Metcalfe Park, following the recent closure of the neighborhood’s only grocery store. This event marked five months since the Pick ‘n Save on 35th Street shut its doors, highlighting the ongoing problem of food apartheid in the area.
Urgent Need for Solutions Post Grocery Store Closure
At the press conference hosted by Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, officials underscored the need for coordinated efforts at various government levels. They emphasized the importance of preventing further closures and enhancing community-driven food access solutions.
Statements from Local Officials
“It’s a public failure,” stated Alderman Russell Stamper II, who represents the Metcalfe Park area. He rejected the notion that the community was to blame for the store’s closure. State Representative Margaret Arney announced her intention to draft legislation similar to the federal WARN Act, which would mandate advance notifications for future grocery store closures.
- Stamper II: Public failure, not community fault
- Arney: Drafting bill for advance closure notice
Dignitaries in Attendance
Other officials at the event included:
- Marcelia Nicholson, Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman
- Anne O’Connor, County Supervisor
- State Representatives: Kalan Haywood and Supreme Moore Omokunde
- David Muhammad, Director of Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services
Community Initiatives Following the Closure
After the conference, over 100 residents visited the new People’s Pantry, which opened on December 7. This facility aims to provide emergency food support, and it has received assistance from several sources, including Northwestern Mutual. Community Bridges utilized part of a recent $150,000 allocation from the Milwaukee County Board to purchase additional food for distribution.
Danell Cross, executive director of Community Bridges, noted that while the pantry is a beneficial stopgap, a full-service grocery store is essential for the community’s long-term well-being. “This is not a replacement,” Cross remarked. “This community needs and deserves a full-service grocery store.”
Community Response
Melody McCurtis, deputy director of Community Bridges, reflected on the community’s proactive response to the grocery closure. Residents organized quickly after learning of the closure and held an emergency town hall, transforming frustration into action.
- Community fridge network established
- People’s Pantry in operation
- Plans for additional solutions by 2026
The community’s determination illustrates a collective effort to address food access challenges in Metcalfe Park. Local leaders continue to advocate for systemic changes to enhance food security in the neighborhood.
