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News Tue Feb 10 2009

All Your Food Deserts Are Belong to Us

The S-T reports that like the hustlers they are, Wal-Mart is renewing their interest in opening several stores on the south side in "food desert" neighborhoods (e.g. Chatham, Pullman) that have little or no access to full-service grocery stores. A Wal-Mart spokesperson said there's "a new sense of urgency from aldermen due to the worsening economy and job losses." Bringing labor superstar Wal-Mart in to bolster the economy of underserved neighborhoods makes about as much sense as paying city aldermen almost $100k per year in salary. Carry on.

 
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E L / February 10, 2009 9:40 AM

very well said.

Frank / February 10, 2009 1:47 PM

Before we indulge in any more reflexive Wal-Mart bashing (and nothing is easier, God knows, for us Whole Foods-shopping eco-phisticates), how about reading this piece by a Wired writer which was in the New York Post this week (no doubt rejected by many publications for whom Wal-Mart is anathema by definition):

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/fly_on_the_wal_154007.htm?page=0

It's a much more interesting and multifaceted picture of the company than, oh, the graphic next to this piece. At least when I read about how any employee can order whatever he needs for his area, say, I think I've had titled jobs in ad agencies where I had less authority over my work than that.

Personally, I don't feel much love for the unions like SEIU who have fostered this anti-Wal Mart campaign, since they made sure we got Todd Stroger instead of Forrest Claypool and as a result, they already collect their dues from me every time I pay my property taxes; they don't need a bunch of Wal-Mart employees to cash in.

R / February 11, 2009 11:15 AM

I read the article but didn't think it supported what you said about Wal-Mart being a good, trusting employer that gets flack from dues-hungry unions who want a piece of the pie. If a Wal-mart were to open in Pullman or Chatham, it would have literally no competition (although I could see a few corner groceries having to close their doors) and would give the residents of those neighborhoods some much-needed convenience and a significant markdown on goods compared to what they're paying now. But you won't find a Chicago resident who can survive on $7/hour pay (and not be a teenager looking to save money for a new car or college tuition). I also found Wal-Mart's insurance plan to be a, overpriced, underdelivering downer as well. We can't overlook that.

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Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

The State of Food Writing

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...
Read this feature »

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Drive-Thru is the food and drink section of Gapers Block, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. More...
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Editor: Robyn Nisi, rn@gapersblock.com
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