Gov. Parson vetoes money for North County healthy food initiative

A $1.9-million appropriation to address the food desert in North St. Louis County was stripped from the state budget by Governor Mike Parson. Erica Williams, founder and executive director of A Red Circle , says it won't derail their plans, but the cut is very disappointing, "almost vindictive."

"We have a building in Bellefontaine Neighbors that will be converted to house entrepreneur space, grocery store, licensed commercial kitchen," explains Williams, "because we're really working to improve healthy food access in North St. Louis County. This funding was specifically for the grocery store."

Much of North County is considered a food desert because of the lack of grocery stores. In 2018, four Shop-n-Saves closed. A Fields Foods store in Pagedale opened, but lasted only briefly.

Williams says when those grocery stores closed, there was a loss of jobs, a loss of tax revenue, other stores in the same shopping centers closed, and people were left with few food options.

"We have more liquor stores and convenience stores and gas stations and unhealthy food stores," says Williams. "So it also impacts health care costs."

A Red Circle is working to rebuild and reinvest in North County. Williams formed the non-profit in 2017 determined to help the people of North County from the effects of past racist laws, public policies and massive disinvestment in that region.