Residents of northeast Wichita and members of the NAACP Youth Council are asking the city to help in finding and developing a grocery store for their area.

Northeast Wichita was identified as a “food desert” by a 2013 study and the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita is working on a ten-year food system master plan that will look at improving access to healthy foods.     The Coalition is now looking for community input as they develop the plan for presentation to the city council later this year.

Youth Council member Martel Carter told council members that in northeast Wichita there are more liquor stores than grocery stores, and people have to travel farther to find a store with healthy foods.

City council members Brandon Johnson and Becky Tuttle have been involved with the Health and Wellness Coalition and ongoing discussions to help the northeast area.  Johnson said talks have been focusing on bringing in entrepreneurs who want to open a store and serve the community.   He said there are also discussions about a “food coop” where groups can work together to provide a grocery opportunity.