CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the June 12 closure of the Auburn-Gresham Aldi:

“The unannounced closure of the Auburn-Gresham Aldi is a devastating blow to our community, who already faces food insecurity. With Englewood's Whole Foods scheduled to close in the coming months, our area stands at risk of becoming a food desert.

"We must work to provide market incentives to keep grocery stores open in underserved areas so that all our neighbors can provide healthy meals for their families. Access to food is a basic right and I am committed to working with retailers and my colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure that our grocers and produce markets remain open.”