Have you ever thought about how location plays a significant role in relation to pricing? Whole Foods is an American based supermarket chain which mainly sells food without artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. Usually, foods labeled as organic is priced higher considering the quality of the food. However, in a neighborhood like Englewood, where it is known for having the highest homicide rate in Chicago, things are slightly different, regarding supermarket deals.

When comparing the Whole Foods in Englewood to the one located in Lincoln Park, prices are drastically lower in Englewood. At Englewood, a loaf of organic white bread costs $2.99. While at Lincoln Park, the price for the same item is $4.39. Another example which is far more drastic would be the price of conventional milk. While Englewood sets the price at $1.99, Lincoln Park highly contrasts this by pricing its conventional milk at $4.19. Several lists are posted online containing Whole Foods’ price comparisons of the two locations. So the question that still prevails is “how does location play a role in the cost of food from the same supermarket chain?” A couple of factors behind this motive is that Englewood is known as a food desert and has many low-income families. The lack of grocery stores in that area only pushes people to shop at places that contain a variety of foods. Here is where the Whole Foods market comes into play. It is only reasonable for an expensive market like Whole Foods to lower its prices for its customers.

Whole Foods can be a benefit for a neighborhood such as Englewood because of how Whole Foods promotes health and well being. The inclusion of this well-known supermarket can offer jobs for members living in this struggling neighborhood. There are other benefits for Englewood which include Whole Foods buying food from local vendors. Many Englewood residents view this situation as an advantage for its low prices and health benefits. Even though Englewood is constantly seen under a negative perspective, with places like Whole Foods, the neighborhood will only improve.

– Kimberly Franco