Bodega Down Bronx Response

In New York City the availability of necessary resources are concentrated in certain areas. There may be nice markets, grocery stores and a plethora of train lines in one neighborhood, but travel a mile north, east, south, or west and the area is in need of stores necessary to fulfill the nutritional needs of its inhabitants. As BHSEC students, we can all relate to this problem. In a 50-minute lunch period, there are few places to find a healthy and affordable meal. After interviewing members of our school's community, it is evident that it takes a large amount of effort to attain fresh foods and vegetables. This isn’t to say its impossible, everyone we spoke to agreed that the way that they eat is in their hands, but it is certainly more difficult for LES residents to eat the way they may want to than say Upper West Side residents. New York City is extremely concentrated, and real estate is expensive. Every company and industry involved in food distribution is seeking to make the highest profit possible. Neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, where residents may have slightly lower incomes, lack larger and more diverse (in terms of food) supermarkets. If your intent is to make the most money possible, then in richer neighborhoods you can jack up the prices and ultimately make more money. This is why many residents in low-income neighborhoods (parts of LES, South Bronx, etc…) rely on small privately owned shops (like bodegas). Although this supports the local economy, these stores often only sell junk food.

         Ideally, I think it would be great if there were many more farmers markets in the city. In the summers there is one in Seward Park (still quite far from the Baruch housing developments), but it would be great if the community had an affordable one that was yearlong. It could meet somewhere like Hamilton Fish Park, and when it is too cold out side it would meet somewhere inside. Affordability is really important. Too often do I find myself hungry and all the healthier prepared food around is far too expensive. Places like Trader Joes and Whole Foods are good too, but their organic and local foods are often pretty expensive. Also, in establishing big supermarkets in the neighborhood, it would be really bad for local businesses; this would not be good for the community. A farmer’s market is a different environment than a store, and is certainly less competitive. It would also be great if bodegas could get the proper refrigeration systems to sell fruits and vegetables. This would maintain the culture and local economy while providing fresh food.

- Mia