By Peaches Calhoun
In recent years, there has been a growing discussion surrounding the terminology used to address the issue of disparities in access to nutritious food across different socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the key points of debate has been whether the term “food desert” or “food apartheid” is more accurate in describing these disparities. The term “food desert” is commonly used to depict areas that lack access to affordable and healthy food options. The language we use holds significant power in advocating for social change, and it is crucial to choose our words thoughtfully.

When considering the term “food desert,” it often evokes images of a barren, arid landscape devoid of vegetation, much like a typical desert ecosystem. However, it is important to note that the conditions that create a desert ecosystem are natural, whereas food deserts are the result of historical injustices that have perpetuated inequities within our food system.Given this, the question arises: Is the term “food desert” adequate in describing the disparities in access to affordable and healthy food in Columbus’ low-income communities and communities of color?

Leaders from all realms of government gathered outside the deserted Kroger at 4485 Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio on October 23, 2024. Community leaders and neighbors alike sat on the edge of their seats with eyes and attention forward. Columbus Mayor Ginther, City Council President Shannon Hardin, CEO of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective Matt Habash, Greater Southeast Area Commission president and Zoning Chair Mark Harper, and Liberians in Columbus INC Board Chair Hale Lafayette Harmon circled the podium in full sun like knights of the round table with equal excitement to share the solution to the community’s hard questions and earnest concerns.

Minus the media’s lights cameras and lack of action, the Southeast Columbus community has been facing this challenge for a long time. To address this issue, The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is establishing a new anti-hunger service hub in southeast Columbus. They have purchased the former Kroger store location near the corner of Refugee and Hamilton Roads in southeast Columbus. This area has high food insecurity and needs services. The organization plans to provide wrap-around services and make the hub an anchor for the community.

The project has received support from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and City Council President Shannon Hardin, who have committed to investing $4 million in the project, pending approval by the City Council. The group said Kroger sold the property to them for “significantly below market rate.”

Amy McCormick, corporate affairs manager for The Kroger Co. and MOFC board member, stated, “We had several other parties interested in purchasing the property, but through Kroger’s existing support of MOFC with our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Food Rescue program and additional financial contributions, we knew that their mission aligned with our goal of ending hunger in our communities. We are excited to find out what services this partnership can make available for our neighbors and customers in the area.”
“We want to step up and make this an anchor for this community, and we’re really going to listen to the community on what they need,” Habash said.

The renovation project is estimated to cost $13.5 million, with $2 million in state funding and $500,000 in federal funds already secured. The remaining funds are being sought from private donors, and discussions are underway with the Franklin County Commissioners for additional support.
Once completed, the center will not only provide access to fresh groceries but also house city services, including a WIC clinic, the FarEast Neighborhood Pride Center, and programming from CelebrateOne, focused on reducing infant mortality.
Additionally, the center will offer a space for community gatherings, a dedicated area for freshly prepared foods, and a community health center.

Construction is set to begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The goal of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective is to establish a center that meets the community’s needs and becomes a source of pride and empowerment for Southeast Columbus.
Although the train to quench the food drought and resources to soothe the sting of the lack thereof is well on its way, the aesthetics of the once Kroger store remains a sore sight to the eyes. If you take a closer look, you’ll see the rainbow painted from the parking lot to the entrance of the store. This small beacon of hope is a balm to the community in Southeast Columbus and a peaceful placeholder of what is to come.

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