For years, the Southeast Side of San Antonio has been known as a food desert where residents often have to travel several miles in search of fresh produce and healthy options. With the region set for a population boom as thousands of homes come down the pipeline and industries set sights on the area, will the Trader Joe’s expansion in San Antonio ever reach Southside dwellers?
For years, representatives for San Antonio’s District 3 covering the Southeast Side have been combating the food desert plaguing the region. In fact, it’s been a family affair with current District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran carrying the torch from her sister who held the role before her, Rebecca Viagran.
Both have pushed for more produce options in their area, with the former councilwoman igniting the Health Corner Store Initiative to bring fresh produce to corner stores when big-box grocers couldn’t find the financial incentive to move in. That program’s continuing under different city departments, but the Viagran sister currently in office is also regularly reaching out to grocery stores to get a larger solution in place…