Grocery stores have a significant impact on our nation’s economy — employing millions of workers to provide consumers with safe, healthy and affordable food every day. Food retailers across the country are responsible for more than $360 billion in direct output, 4.8 million direct jobs, and $167 billion in direct wages. From farming to manufacturing to trucking to retailing & marketing, the food retail industry has a mind-boggling total economic impact of nearly $900 billion in the USA alone (FMI.org).
Relative to our size, the retail food market is similarly significant to the economy here in The City of Frederick:
Our city is home to 28 grocery stores which make up more than 1 million square feet of commercial space.
Together these stores generate over $400,000,000 in sales volume each year.
Our grocery stores employ over 1,600 workers in jobs across sales, transportation/material moving, food preparation, and office/administration.
In fact, ALDI — which also has a distribution center within City limits — is the 9th largest employer in the City.
Of the City options available, 3 are national chains, 9 are regional chains, and 16 are locally owned.
The City boasts 14 ethnic markets, including options for: Hispanic, African, Caribbean, Indo-Pak, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Halal Products; as well a special organic focus offered at the Common Market.
Nearly all City residents live within one mile of an in-City grocery store.
For those residents unable to access or afford groceries, there are programs like the Federal WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program along with offerings by the City Department of Housing and Human Services (DHHS) including a Community Food Bank and Community Table. Other Frederick partners, including the Frederick Rescue Mission, also provide meal critical services to ensure every resident has an option for a warm meal.
Data from: JobsEQ, CoStar, Reference Solutions, and ESRI
