Tacoma residents are facing the tangible impacts of the Fred Meyer store closure on 72nd Street, a decision that has disappointed the community and local officials. Council Member Joe Bushnell expressed his concerns, "I remain deeply disappointed by the decision to close the Fred Meyer store on 72nd Street, a staple in our community for decades," in a statement published by the City of Tacoma's official website.
This closure is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger pattern with five other stores across the region also shuttering their doors. For the inhabitants of Tacoma’s Eastside and South End, particularly for those with limited options to get about, the search for alternatives to meet their grocery needs will likely be considerable. Bushnell emphasizes the ramifications via the city's news release, "The loss of a grocery store is more than just an inconvenience; it disrupts access to basic needs, jobs, and a central community hub."
Proactivity seems to be the stance of the City's response, with an interdepartmental team involving Tacoma Fire, Police, and Code Enforcement stepping in to ensure site security and the prevention of urban decay. Fred Meyer has committed to complying with local codes to maintain the property properly. Furthermore, the City of Tacoma is discussing with the supermarket chain the consideration of resident-backed interim uses for the site beyond retail, aiming to restore access to food and pharmacy services.
Beyond the challenge of redevelopment, Council Member Bushnell, who also chairs the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health, is looking to strategically reassess how to ensure equitable food access across Tacoma, to not merely patch but to thoroughly mend the cracks in the system exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Every person who lives in Tacoma deserves to have access to fresh, healthy food," said Bushnell through the city's news release, as he delineates the pursuit of finding community-centered funding to tackle the food deserts in areas affected by the closure.
Despite the closure, Bushnell encourages support for local small-business grocery stores that continue to serve with dedication. He reminds residents via the City of Tacoma's website: "This moment is difficult, but it is also an opportunity. This neighborhood is my home. My family and I shop where you and your family shop. Together, we can work to meet the needs of the community and strengthen local systems that ensure no one is left behind."
