Albuquerque's South Valley Addresses Food Desert with New Grocery Options
The Barelas neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is set to gain two new grocery options to combat its status as a food desert. For over three years, the area has lacked a major grocery store, relying primarily on the small Silver Street Market. The Street Food Institute, in partnership with Homewise, is opening 'La Tiendita,' a small grocery store near Fourth Street and Barelas. This initiative utilized state grant funds to renovate the space and will offer fresh produce from local farmers, prepared foods from New Mexican entrepreneurs, and staples like oatmeal, pasta, and a small meat section. Additionally, La Tiendita will provide a hotline for freshly made meals and delivery services. A few blocks away, El Mezquite is also establishing a new location at Broadway and Ceasar Chavez, further expanding access to groceries for the community. La Tiendita had a soft opening on Tuesday and plans to operate Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the opening date for El Mezquite is still pen... 
