FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE                                          

January 8, 2022

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Contact: Takiyah “T.N.” Tate

ttate@dccouncil.us | (202) 705-2980

Councilmember Vincent C. Gray’s Statement on the Full-Service Grocery Store Opening at the Skyland Town Center

Washington, D.C. – Today, Lidl U.S., a German grocery chain, breaks ground on its full-service grocery store at Skyland Town Center.  For the 170,000 people living on the East End of the District in Wards 7 and 8, this is a huge win. Currently, there are only three full-service grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8. The lack of full-service grocery stores and access to healthy food options has created food deserts in this part of the city. 

Councilmember Vincent C. Gray released the following statement:

“We have worked long and hard to bring more grocery stores to Ward 7 and elsewhere on the East End of the District. Lidl’s first store in the District, right here at the Skyland Town Center, will provide residents with more options and serve as a vital anchor to Skyland. The East End is a valuable market location for retail and hospitality providers, I am pleased that Lidl is investing in our community and leading the way," said Gray.

"More than 75 percent of the District's food deserts are found in Wards 7 and 8. We have only three grocery stores to serve 170,000residents, while other wards tout nine or more. Today's groundbreaking is a big step in the right direction, but much more remains to be accomplished. That is why I introduced, and the Council passed, the East End Grocery Incentive Act to allow the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to use funds as grants for direct infrastructure investments to support the construction of full-service grocery stores and co-anchor retail opportunities.  I look forward to continuing to work with our partners ,stakeholders and my Ward 7 Economic Development Advisory Council to bring more retail, dining and hospitality options to the East End of the District,” said Gray.  

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