Maywood, IL is a city near the Chicago area, which is considered a food desert, meaning it lacks access to fresh, healthy food for all its residents. Residents lack access to full-service grocery stores, and many households rely on convenience stores with processed food. Food insecurity is a serious health issue and is the root cause of many health problems including but not limited to diabetes, high blood pressure, and nutritional deficiencies. As a student who has researched solutions to this problem, I have found it crucial that we as concerned citizens should donate to this cause so that the people of Maywood have the funding to be able to open grocery stores in the parts of their city that lack nutritious produce. This petition targets Mayor Nathaniel George Booker of Maywood, IL, who has the authority to pursue economic partnerships, incentives, and policy solutions to help build a full-service grocery store in Maywood.  

Residents of Maywood, IL face a critical lack of access to fresh and healthy food. Families in Maywood often rely on convenience stores or fast food, which increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other preventable health problems. Research shows that adults living in food-insecure households consume less essential micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. From 2019-2022, chronic disease rates were 9.5% higher among adults in food insecure households compared to food secure households. Without intervention, preventable health issues will continue to rise in this community. Nationally, 1 in 5 children face food insecurity, whereas in Maywood, it is 1 in 3. In addition to health problems, citizens who lack access to nutritious meals struggle with energy, focus, and long-term health. This in turn limits their opportunities to succeed in school or work.   
  
As someone who has studied food access in Maywood and has seen firsthand, the impact of limited access to nutrition, I know that this food desert harms the community. Food access should not be considered a luxury; it should be considered a matter of health equity. Everyone deserves the right to healthy food, and it shouldn’t only be available to those who can drive long distances to grocery stores far away. Providing access to a full-service grocery store would improve nutrition and health, as well as stimulate the local economy in Maywood, increasing job opportunities and property values. Studies on economic impact show that retail grocery stores create jobs and even increase the value of nearby homes, improving the economy of a community.   
  
We call on the Mayor and Village Board of Maywood to take immediate action and pursue partnerships, offer tax incentives and form partnerships to help build full-service grocery stores in the underserved community of Maywood. Without action, residents will continue to face chronic diseases, lack of job opportunities, and economic hardship. With the increase in grocery stores, Maywood can become healthier and stronger for years to come.   
  
Sign this petition to demand the development of new grocery stores in Maywood.