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Was at the Kroger in downtown Clarksburg this evening at 5 p.m. That's when it closed for good. This a major loss and a huge hit to local food security. Kroger is consolidating two stores to build a big, fancy store closer to Bridgeport, one of WV's most affluent communities.
I was there a few days ago, too. Oliverio peppers were long gone, so...bummer. This Kroger was just about the only option for fresh food in the city proper. Two Italian markets and a produce market closed within the past two yrs. The new store is about a 10 minute drive away.
About that drive...this Kroger served a lot of shoppers without personal transportation. It also served a lot of Black residents, older residents, lower-income residents, disabled residents, residents in recovery. Our racist, ableist, ageist, system in action.
I talked to an older woman who's been shopping here since the 70s, "I'll be fine, I guess, but I really worry about all the people without cars," she said. "They only care about the money, and it's always been like that, hasn't it?"
There's still a Wendy's and a McDonald's just across the street. Dollar General's just around the corner. I can't wait to hear all the takes about these residents' health outcomes resulting from their poor lifestyle choices.
But look at the silver lining, though! A big wine selection, ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE GOURMET CHEESES, and don't forget about the sushi bar. They're hiring.
Anyway, this truly sucks. I dunno what could have been done, but man, how quickly everyone gets riled up re potential loss of a(checks notes) **minor league baseball team** and dream up a million incentives to get them to stick around. Priorities, huh? Well, see y'all for sushi.
Apologies to the Governor. I failed to notice his leadership.
