The Baldwin Market is operated by using tax money, and profits go back into the town. The unique set-up is expected to end March 18, leaving the town a food desert.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On March 18, the town of Baldwin is expected to once again become a food desert. That’s the day that the town’s only grocery store, Baldwin Market, which is owned by the town, is scheduled to close.
Many of the people who spoke to First Coast News about Baldwin Market closing are concerned for residents in the area who aren’t able to make the drive to a different grocery store. They said the 5 years that Baldwin Market has been in business has been a valuable resource for the community.
When you take a walk through the aisles at Baldwin Market you’ll see many of the same items that you would in any grocery store, but in the middle of the day there’s a distinct element that’s missing… customers.
“If you don’t get customers or people spending money you can’t buy product and that’s put us where we are in part,” said Larry Phillips, assistant store manager.
Phillips also oversees meat at Baldwin Market, which is the only place in the town of Baldwin where someone can buy meat and fresh produce. The next closest store that sells those products is a Walmart Superstore in Macclenny, but that’s more than 8 miles away.
That’s also a drive that Baldwin resident Loran Land says many people don’t want to make.
“It’s not a big deal for me so much, but there’s a lot of people that live here that do not have transportation, elderly or disabled, and it’s very hard on them,” said Land, “this store is a life line for them.”
The opening of Baldwin Market in 2019 was not only celebrated by residents. The Town of Baldwin received regional development awards for opening a grocery store in a food desert. Those awards sit proudly on displays at the end of one of the aisles.
“This is our store, there’s no other like it,” said Land, “and it’s very important that it’s here for the public.”
But after nearly 5 years in business, not enough of the public in this town of 1,400 have shopped regularly at Baldwin Market.
“We don’t actually aim to make a profit, we aim to stay in business,” said Phillips.
While the store is scheduled to close on March 18, that’s not locked in stone. The store manager said that if business increases and enough customers begin shopping here, she’s been told that this town-owned store would stay open and remain a resource for the community.
