- Giant Tiger confirmed that its downtown Winnipeg location at Donald Street and Ellice Avenue will close on November 7, as stated by a spokesperson in an email to CBC News.
- Residents are concerned about the limited grocery options available in the area, especially as food insecurity rises.
- Food security advocates warn that the closure will force residents who cannot travel to rely more on food banks and community organizations.
- Theft has been cited as a potential reason for the store's closure, with reports of increased shoplifting incidents in the area.
- The closure of Giant Tiger is expected to exacerbate food insecurity in downtown Winnipeg, where access to healthy food is already a challenge.
- Residents have expressed disappointment, noting that the store is a convenient option for many, especially those without access to cars.
- Local food banks are anticipating an increase in demand as more residents will likely turn to them for assistance following the closure.
The Giant Tiger store in downtown Winnipeg is set to close on November 7, leaving residents with fewer grocery options amid rising food insecurity.156
The closure is seen as a reflection of the community's struggles, with experts noting that it highlights the challenges faced by low-income residents.
"The core of Winnipeg is already struggling with access to good, healthy food. And so having one of the very few options removed, it just makes things that much more difficult," said Kyle Mason, executive director of Food Matters Manitoba.
The store, located at Donald Street and Ellice Avenue, has been a crucial resource for many, particularly newcomers without cars. "I live here. And just need to walk for five minutes for groceries. And now I don’t know what to do," expressed a concerned shopper.2
The decision to close the store was confirmed by a spokesperson, who stated that such decisions are made with "careful consideration and thorough analysis." However, the reasons for the closure remain unclear, with some attributing it to rampant theft in the area. Winnipeg Police Service data indicated 106 reported shoplifting incidents in the downtown block, a decrease from 170 the previous year.4
As the city grapples with increasing poverty, the loss of this grocery option may force residents to rely more heavily on food banks and community organizations. Dave Feniuk, general manager of the local food bank Agape, noted a rise in families seeking assistance in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need to address food insecurity in the area.
“The closure of Giant Tiger, a key grocery option for downtown residents, is expected to exacerbate food insecurity, with local food bank Agape anticipating an increase in demand. Experts highlight that high poverty levels in the area make it challenging for grocery stores to remain viable, leading to a reliance on food banks.”
Winnipeg Free Press
