ALDI’s announcement is a particularly devastating blow to West Dayton, already burdened with the distinction of being one of the largest food deserts in the state. Many more of our west-side neighbors simply do not know how they are going to feed their families without the access this store provides.

Daytonians deserve better. We cannot have a healthy and vibrant community if nearly one-third of our families with children struggle with food hardship. In study after study, we see the connection between nutrition and chronic disease, brain development and job performance. Without healthy food in their bellies, how we can expect our children to learn in school? Without access to a grocery store, how can we expect patients to eat the food their doctors recommend? Without knowing where their next meal is coming from, how can we expect workers to perform at their jobs?