Chicago News Cooperative: Program Aims to Bring Fresh Produce and Meats to Chicago’s So-Called Food Deserts

Chicago Central Food Mart, a corner store in West Humboldt Park, straddles the northern edge of an area considered one of Chicago’s food deserts.

The store’s faded yellow awning promises “fresh fruits, meats and vegetables.” But until recently, little fresh produce could be found among the sodas, chips and canned meats packed onto the store’s shelves.
“Everybody eats fruit,” said Ray Samham, a Palestinian immigrant who has owned the store at the intersection of Chicago and Central Park Avenues since 2007 and began stocking fresh groceries last year. “Maybe a store owner

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