What does the closing of Pierce’s Northside Market mean for residents in the area? What’s the landscape for food justice issues as they relate to economic and racial justice look like in Madison? Today Karma Chavez hosts a round table on food justice, race and gentrification with Beverly Hutcherson, Carmen Evanco and Jackson Foote.
In August 2014, the Willy Street Co-op voted to begin looking for a third store location in Madison. According to the co-op’s website, in October of that year, the Northside Planning Council approached Willy Street Co-op about helping support a new grocery cooperative in the current location of Pierce’s Northside Market. Because of challenges with organizing necessary funding in a very short time, the Northside Planning Council then approached Willy Street Co-op about taking over the Pierce’s location.
Beverly Hutcherson is a biologist who works on women’s health issues among others. Carmen Evanco is a gardener, longtime Madison resident and racial justice advocate. Jackson Foote is an employee of Pierce’s Northside Market.