Milwaukee Leaders, Grocers Discuss Solutions as Food Deserts Grow

City officials and grocery industry representatives meet to address rising food access challenges in underserved neighborhoods.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Milwaukee city leaders and grocery industry representatives met to discuss growing concerns about food access following recent grocery store closures that have left some neighborhoods with fewer options for fresh, affordable food. Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the city can help defray capital costs for grocers to keep stores open, while alderpersons are working on legislation to require large grocers to provide 60-day notice before closing to give the city time to intervene.

Why it matters

Food deserts disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods, seniors, and families without reliable transportation in Milwaukee. City officials see ensuring food security as critical for community health, dignity, and making the city work for all residents, not just those with the most options.

The details

The meeting brought together alderpersons, grocery owners, and food industry leaders to discuss both short-term interventions, like providing financial assistance to grocers, and long-term strategies to stabilize grocery access in underserved areas. Officials outlined efforts to improve food access through investments in community grocers, urban agriculture, mobile food markets, and partnerships with food banks, schools, and neighborhood organizations.

  • The meeting took place on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • City leaders are working on legislation that would require large grocery stores to provide a 60-day notice before closing.

The players

Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee who said the city can help defray capital costs for grocers to keep stores open.

Andrea Pratt

An alderwoman representing Milwaukee's First District who described food insecurity as a daily reality for many residents.

Russell Stamper

An alderman working on the proposal to require 60-day notice before large grocery store closures.

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What they’re saying

“When large retailers leave without warning, neighborhoods pay the price. That's why we're working to ensure better notice, better planning, and better coordination so residents are not left in food deserts overnight. Food security is about dignity. It's about health. It's about whether a city works for everyone and not just those with the most options.”

— Andrea Pratt, Alderwoman, First District (wtmj.com)

“The most important thing, I believe is working to make sure that we keep the doors open.”

— Cavalier Johnson, Mayor (wtmj.com)

What’s next

Alderpersons are working on legislation that would require large grocery stores to provide a 60-day notice before closing to give the city time to intervene and prevent sudden neighborhood food deserts.

The takeaway

Addressing Milwaukee's growing food deserts will require a multi-pronged approach of city investment, private sector collaboration, and policy changes to ensure all residents have access to affordable, nutritious food regardless of their income or neighborhood.