As multiple court cases play out over a proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, Kitsap County officials worry a deal may have ramifications on the availability of healthy foods, particularly in South Kitsap.
The Kitsap County commissioners wrote in a resolution adopted this month that they are worried a merger and plan to divest four stores in Kitsap could lead to closures and worsen existing food deserts. The two national retailers plan to sell off 124 stores across Washington, including two in Gig Harbor , as part of a nearly $25 billion acquisition.
“These grocery stores are cornerstones of the Kitsap community, providing jobs and convenient access to nutritious and fresh foods,” county commissioners wrote in the resolution. “Ensuring a thriving local economy, food security and convenient shopping options for the community are priorities for Kitsap County.”…