_ In New Orleans, the term “making groceries” refers to buying food. But for television star Wendell Pierce it takes on a whole new meaning. The TREME actor, with partners Troy Henry and James Hatchett is making plans to build four new food markets in the New Orleans. The stores will be built in, what First Lady Obama calls “food deserts”. These are poverty stricken areas where fast food chains and convenience store are the sole source of food. According to the First Lady, these “food deserts” are partially responsible for the ailing health of low-income populations, and hugely to blame for high obesity rates.

Pierce, a native to Ponchartrain Park, wants to use his celebrity, not to mention his savings, to help continue to improve the living conditions in some of the worse-off areas of the city. The first store his set to open in the Lower 9th ward in the spring of 2012. Each store will cost a couple million to build, which is small price to pay for the 100-150 jobs that each will create! This is in addition to the improvement of food quality to these neighborhoods. A recent study found that off all the food stores in the Lower 9th, only 35% carried fresh fruit or vegetables. Many people living in these neighborhoods, specifically the Lower 9th do not have access to reliable transportations and are entirely dependent on the food supplies that are available within walking distance. Opening a quality supermarket in this area will give residents access to better nutrition, more jobs and social activities- such as the proposed monthly crawfish boil.

Before this plan, developers have been hesitant to build in certain neighborhoods because of bad crime and transportation. But The Wire star is confident that improving the quality of life in these areas would diminish both of these problems. A large-scale food store would be sure to increase transportation to and from these neighborhoods, which would also make it easier for residents to find work. And higher employment rates would lead to less crime. This is a wonderfully generous plan by the local star, and this Southern Celebrity Gossiper is proud to report that he has our full support!

You can read more in the Washington Post.