Struggles of Cairo Grocery Store

In 2018, Illinois officials launched a $30 million grocery initiative aimed at establishing and sustaining food businesses in distressed small towns and urban neighborhoods. This effort was highlighted by the opening of six stores, including Rise Community Market in Cairo, which drew over 100 attendees on its opening day. State leaders, including Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, emphasized the importance of this initiative, positioning Cairo as a model for future developments in food accessibility. However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding new grocery stores, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding pricing. A recent investigation by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica examined 24 stores funded through the USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative, revealing that many struggle to compete with larger retailers. Without fair competition enforcement, independent stores risk being pushed out of the market, echoing concerns voiced by community leaders about the sustainability of these new ventures. Cairo's Rise Community Market, while initially a symbol of hope, faced difficulties shortly after its launch. The store's leadership attempted to raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign but fell short of their $55,000 goal, raising only $1,600. This financial strain, coupled with the reality that residents were only spending about 5% of their grocery budget at Rise, highlights the precarious situation for new stores in food deserts, where over 3 million Illinoisans reside. Community members, like local leader Tarver, express the importance of these stores in changing perceptions about what is possible in Cairo. However, without adequate support and competitive pricing, the future of such initiatives remains uncertain.