The recent LA city council decision to ban new fast-food outlets from opening within half a mile of existing restaurants, got me thinking about my own neighborhood. I live in Mar Vista, a somewhat cushy west side neighborhood, south of the 10 and west of the 405. Within a mile of my house is Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Ralph’s, Von’s, Albertsons, plus numerous 7-11’s and Mexican markets. There is even a weekly farmers market. So clearly, not a food desert. It’s more like a food rainforest.
Evan posted a link to a story about the city council’s decision on her Facebook page and Diana commented on the presence of numerous 7-Eleven stores in her North Hollywood neighborhood. There are 10 7-Eleven’s within 5 miles of my house. Ten! I mean, people always complain about the ubiquity of Starbucks, this 7-Eleven thing is ridiculous.
I’m working on a story for Good Food about this phenomenon. I’d love to hear from you. Do you shop at 7-Eleven? What do you buy? How many stores are in your neighborhood?