The Minneapolis Public Health and Safety Committee received a comprehensive report Tuesday examining municipal grocery store models and food access challenges across the city.

The report, requested by Vice Chair Robin Wonsley in November 2024, analyzed food insecurity patterns, cooperative grocery stores, and municipal grocery operations in other cities. Legislative Policy and Research Staff member Ashley Jerk presented findings showing that no major U.S. city currently operates a publicly-owned grocery store, though smaller municipalities have attempted various models with mixed success.

The analysis highlighted significant food access challenges in Minneapolis, particularly in North and Central Minneapolis, the Phillips neighborhood, and Cedar Riverside areas. According to the report, 20% of Minnesota households face food insecurity, rising to 26% for households with children and 40% for households of color. The grocery industry operates on extremely thin profit margins of 1% to 3%, making sustainable operations challenging for any operator.

Successful examples included Tulsa, Oklahoma's Oasis Fresh Market, a public-private nonprofit partnership that cost $5.45 million and serves as both grocery store and community resource center. The report noted that community involvement and buy-in are essential for any grocery initiative to succeed, and municipalities should expect potential ongoing losses rather than profits.

The committee also postponed consideration of the Safe and Thriving Communities Support Plan until September 17, with Vice Chair Wonsley citing legal questions about the adoption process that require City Attorney clarification.