Large grocery chain alternatives

By: Brandon Ngeth

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. (mocsnews.com) – Over the past couple of years, popular grocery store chains throughout Chattanooga have been closing or moving locations, leaving residents in these areas without a convenient location to purchase fresh food. Depending on the location the closest grocery store could be over a 15 minute drive from home.

Cans of “La Morena,” a Mexican brand of Jalapeno chiles, are displayed by the frozen products section Friday, April 25, 2003, at the new Gigante store in Anaheim, Calif. Gigante, which has 220 stores in Mexico, has opened five in Southern California since 1999 hoping to attract a greater share of the Hispanic market.(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

However, there are many small family-owned grocery stores and farmers’ markets spread throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding areas that can be used as an alternative. Many of these stores are located just blocks away from the grocery stores you currently shop at and also provide fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and household items for you to choose from.

Super Carniceria Loa #7 located at 1500 Broad St is a great example. Currently being one of the closest grocery stores to UTC they offer a wide variety of options to choose from. Meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and frozen foods along with household essentials make this location a great alternative option to your large grocery chain. Ashley P. a local from Chattanooga says “I love shopping at these small stores, they always have what I need and they are always so nice.” Fresh food aside, if you do choose to shop here you will be supporting a small business, not only is this beneficial to you but also the community.

People shop under a canopy of trees at the farmer’s market in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. Plans to build year-round, sheltered markets are underway in cities including Portland, Boston, Pittsburgh and Chicago. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Another great option for locals are the farmers markets that are held in Chattanooga. While these markets are not held every day it is still a great place to purchase fresh foods. One market that is held every Wednesday is the Chattanooga Market at Erlanger. This is a smaller version of the main Chattanooga Market that held at 1801 Reggie White Blvd., While smaller they still provide locals with products from local farmers and vendors. Brooklynn N. who attends both markets as often as possible said, “I love coming to the market, I mostly just come to hang out with my friends. The fresh food that is available is a huge bonus. They also always have nice flowers that are always hard to pass up.” Again this is a great way to not only purchase fresh locally grown foods but also help out the community.

So, the next time you are on your way out to the grocery store. Stop and think about visiting one of the many local individually-owned grocery stores. Where you might be able to try something new or just purchase some daily household items. If your shopping happens to fall on the day of the week when a farmers market is open you could stop by the market to support local farmers and purchase some fresh food.

About Brandon Ngeth

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