Right now, efforts are underway that may prevent Lula & Bert from opening a grocery store in Ward 1 of Little Rock — a neighborhood that has long needed greater access to fresh food and everyday essentials.

Lula & Bert is a community-driven grocery store built to serve people, not corporations. Their plan brings fresh produce, pantry staples, and local goods directly into Ward 1 — reducing food access gaps and keeping dollars circulating locally instead of leaving the neighborhood.

But despite the community's support, bureaucracy and red tape threaten to stall or stop this vital project. The neighborhood's residents deserve better access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food. A store like Lula & Bert represents more than just groceries; it symbolizes empowerment, economic growth, and independence for local families.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 23 million Americans live in what is known as "food deserts" — areas with limited access to nutritious and affordable food. In these areas, families often have to travel significant distances to find affordable healthy food options. Ward 1 is one of these areas, and closing the doors to community-driven initiatives like Lula & Bert only exacerbates the problem.

By supporting Lula & Bert, we are investing in our community’s health, future, and resilience. Blocking them now would not only edge families further into food insecurity but would also undermine our community's fight for self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.

We urge city officials and decision-makers to recognize the overwhelming support from Ward 1 residents for this project. We must prioritize community needs over bureaucratic barriers and ensure Lula & Bert can establish and operate without unnecessary delay.

Please sign this petition to show your support for Lula & Bert and champion the right of Ward 1 residents to access fresh, affordable food, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our community.