Chicago wants to open a city-run grocery store. It could be the solution to urban food deserts

With tight profit margins, many grocery chains have pulled out of lower-income neighborhoods. Cities like Chicago could fill the gap themselves.

Aldi, Whole Foods, Walmart, Save a Lot: These grocery stores have become a sad commentary on the challenges facing historically disinvested communities in Chicago. In the past few years, all these franchises have shuttered locations, citing financial challenges, with six stores closing in the last two years alone. Residents have grown increasingly frustrated at efforts to bring better food to their neighborhoods.