Planning for a Meal on the Table: How Community Planning and Policy to Support Community-Owned and Operated Grocery Stores Can Combat Food Apartheid

Abstract

The following thesis explores how food systems planning and policy can be utilized to support community-owned and operated grocery stores, specifically in seeking to combat food apartheid. Food apartheid exists because of intentional disinvestment from low-income communities, especially low-income communities of color in the US. By focusing planning and policy on community-led food justice solutions, like small-scale grocery stores owned and operated by community members, reinvestment can happen on the terms of those most-impacted by food apartheid. This thesis case studies five food systems plans from across the US, as well as two US-based grocery stores. The intention of this dual case study analysis is to assess the current state of food systems planning in the US, as well as to assess the needs and narratives of two different styles of community-owned and operated groceries: a traditional small business and a cooperatively-owned business. After assessing the needs of community-led groceries, as well as the existing tools used by planners and policymakers to support those groceries, this thesis makes ten planning and policy recommendations for municipalities looking to support such groceries within their communities.