ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a part of Albuquerque where it’s getting harder and harder to find a place to buy groceries but help may be on the way. The International District saw stores like Walmart, Walgreens, and Allsups close over the last year, creating a food desert.
City leaders said it’s been difficult for residents, and they’re trying to fix the issue.
“Food desert is a big issue, especially here in the International District with all of the closures that we have,” said Councilor Nichole Rogers, District 6.
It’s a recurring sight in the International District.
Food and pharmacy stores were closing one after the other, leaving residents with fewer affordable options and forcing people to travel farther to shop. It’s a luxury that community leaders say not everyone has.
“People are just having a hard time finding basic things, and I think that’s been a challenge. A lot of us take it for granted but having a car makes it easier for me, but it’s still a little more inconvenient. It’s not as close as it used to be,” said Enrique Cardiel, a community member.
City Councilor Nichole Rogers represents the International District. She is working with the community to bring a co-op to the area. Councilor Rogers said they’ve already begun discussions with the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.
A local real estate advisor is also studying whether the old CVS on Central and Louisiana, and the Walgreens on Central and San Mateo, might be good places for a new store.
“We’re finding that we need spaces with more freezer and refrigerator space, so anywhere we need, we’re going to have to do some renovations,” stated Rogers.
As a short-term solution, Councilor Rogers is talking with local farmer’s markets to have them expand into the International District. The councilor also addressed crime, a problem that contributed to some of the stores’ closing.
Story continues below
Roads: $4M from feds jumpstarting long-awaited westside Atrisco Vista project
Marijuana: Feds: Cannabis seizures in New Mexico to continue
Events: What’s happening around New Mexico April 19-25
Education: Online college classes have increased in New Mexico, report shows
“I think crime is absolutely on top of everybody’s mind, especially as you’re talking to businesses to come here. I think we have to do more with our Albuquerque Police Department when it comes to recruiting because bottom-line, we just don’t have enough officers to enforce,” said Rogers.
Councilor Rogers is trying to have a co-op in the area by next year. They’re also looking into bringing a Food King, Lowes, and even Aldi into the area as a permanent grocery store. Councilor Rogers said BCSO and ABQ Community Safety will be starting a violence intervention program in the area to reduce crime.
