Shoppers Food Warehouse closings could create a 'food desert,' Maryland leaders warn

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  Food and Wine on Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 by Fox 5

Food Warehouse Closings Threaten Food Deserts in Maryland, Officials Warn

A wave of announced closures by Food Warehouse, a discount grocery chain that has long served low‑income communities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, is prompting Maryland leaders to voice alarm about the potential creation of new food deserts across the state. The chain, which previously operated under the name Foodmart, has been a staple for shoppers seeking affordable staples in the suburbs and rural parts of Maryland. Its latest announcement that several Maryland locations will shutter within the next year has sparked a debate about the balance between corporate profitability and community nutrition.

The Scale of the Closures

Food Warehouse’s press release lists the closure of 11 Maryland stores, including locations in Columbia, Laurel, Hyattsville, and the suburbs of Frederick. These outlets collectively served roughly 200,000 residents who rely on the chain for groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials. The closures are part of a larger national strategy by the parent company to consolidate operations and reduce overhead costs. While the company cites rising operating expenses and changing consumer patterns, critics argue that the decision disproportionately targets economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The chain’s previous incarnation, Foodmart, was known for its “no‑frills” approach: low prices, bulk packaging, and a limited selection that still met basic dietary needs. In many of the affected communities, Food Warehouse stores have been the only nearby grocery option within a ten‑mile radius. The announcement has therefore raised red flags among local policymakers, food‑security advocates, and residents.

Officials’ Concerns

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a statement that the closures would “exacerbate the food insecurity crisis that many low‑income families are already facing.” He called on the Food Warehouse corporate leadership to “explore alternative solutions” that would preserve essential services in the impacted areas. The governor’s office also highlighted the state’s existing “Food Access Initiative,” a program designed to incentivize grocery retailers to locate in underserved regions. The closures threaten to undermine these efforts and reverse gains made in the past decade.

State Delegate Anna S. Brown, representing the district that includes the Columbia store, held a press conference on the floor of the Maryland General Assembly. She underscored the demographic impact: “The people in this district already have limited transportation options, and the removal of a grocery store will push them further into a food desert.” Delegate Brown called for a bipartisan working group to assess the situation and develop a strategic response.

In a related development, the City of Laurel’s mayor announced a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health to launch a mobile food pantry that would operate out of a donated vehicle. The mobile pantry would provide a limited selection of fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods for residents who cannot travel to the nearest grocery store. While the city acknowledges the limitations of a one‑vehicle operation, it hopes the initiative will serve as a stopgap until a more permanent solution can be found.

Food Deserts and the Broader Context

A food desert is defined by the USDA as a low‑income area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food, typically measured as more than a 10‑minute drive to the nearest supermarket. Recent data from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas indicate that Maryland has over 800 census tracts classified as food deserts, with the highest concentration in the Baltimore‑Washington corridor. The loss of Food Warehouse locations could push additional tracts into the food desert category, thereby widening the health inequity gap.

The closure announcement also ties into broader concerns about the “grocery gap.” According to a 2023 report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, grocery store closures have disproportionately affected communities of color and low‑income households. The report notes that the lack of nearby grocery options leads to increased reliance on convenience stores and fast‑food outlets, which offer higher calorie, lower nutrient density products.

The Company’s Response

Food Warehouse’s CEO, Karen McDonald, defended the decision as a necessary restructuring to “ensure long‑term viability and continued service in key markets.” She acknowledged the impact on the communities but argued that the chain will keep a “core of essential services” available through a reduced footprint. McDonald added that the company is “open to discussions with state and local officials” about maintaining access for vulnerable populations. The company also pledged to explore the possibility of converting some closed stores into “food distribution centers” that would serve as hubs for community‑based food banks.

Potential Remedies and Next Steps

Maryland officials are already drafting proposals to mitigate the impact. Among them is a plan to issue “food access vouchers” for residents in the affected areas, which could be redeemed at nearby supermarkets. The state’s Department of Health is also reviewing the possibility of expanding the “Healthy Food Financing Initiative,” which provides grants to retailers that open or expand in underserved areas.

A coalition of nonprofits, including the Maryland Food Bank and the local chapter of the National Rural Health Association, has called for a “rapid response” that includes mobile markets, community gardens, and local farmer cooperatives. These groups argue that a multifaceted approach is necessary to rebuild food resilience in the wake of the closures.

In the coming weeks, Governor Moore’s office will hold a town‑hall meeting in Laurel to hear directly from residents and discuss the feasibility of the mobile pantry and voucher programs. Meanwhile, the Food Warehouse corporate headquarters has requested a formal meeting with state officials to negotiate potential subsidies or tax incentives that could keep the Maryland stores open.

The closures of Food Warehouse stores serve as a stark reminder that grocery access is not merely a convenience but a public health priority. As Maryland grapples with the fallout, the state’s experience may offer a blueprint for other regions confronting similar challenges, highlighting the need for coordinated policy, community engagement, and corporate accountability to ensure that all residents have reliable access to nutritious food.