Council hears proposal to open supermarket in south Dallas food desert

The City Council’s Economic Development Committee was briefed on a program to pursue opening of a major supermarket in an area of southern Dallas identified as a food desert.

The program would provide up to $3 million to developers and major grocers for potential redevelopment of aging retail centers with vacant or underutilized grocery space. The City would also consider using tax abatements or other existing programs to drive new opportunities to targeted locations in south Dallas.

The Department of Agriculture defines food deserts as low-income areas in which a significant number or share of residents live more than one mile from a supermarket. City staff will continue to explore additional programs to address food access, retail and healthy corner stores. The City Council has 90 days to consider the proposal.

For a list of the stipulations and criteria, click here.