After three years of planning and construction, the first Whole Foods in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood hosted a "bread-breaking" ceremony Wednesday in a step aimed at helping the "food desert" expand access to healthy food options, according to DNA Info.
"I'm excited for the community, and I just think it's a good look for Englewood," said Marcus Ross, an Englewood resident. "It's been a long time coming, and we need something healthy on the South Side."
Mr. Ross said Englewood, which has been associated for years with violence and poverty, is improving as a neighborhood. He believes the new Whole Foods can help stem violence because the healthy foods franchise is investing in the community through new jobs and other economic development, according to the report.
In addition to economic development and helping to decrease violence, other Englewood residents say they hope the new Whole Foods will help people make healthier food choices.
"People in Englewood spend money," said Alexis Solomon, a resident of Englewood. "They spend money on unnecessary things and buy a bunch of junk, so if they can do that, I'm pretty sure they can take their time and give Whole Foods a try."
Special guests, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanual, 16th Ward Alderman Toni Foulkes and Whole Foods Market co-CEO Walter Robb were present at the bread-breaking ceremony.