Oklahoma City Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell caused controversy this week after he cynically questioned in a city council meeting whether or not a new grocery project designed to alleviate a food desert on the Northeast side would sell fried food.
Here's a breakdown of what went down...
About halfway through this past week's Zoom council meeting, Chris Varga – manager of the city's Community Development division – briefed the council on a proposal to provide economic development funding for a concept called Restore Foods. Located in the food desert on N.E. 23rd, the concept would be one of those grocery store/cafes that provides residents with a close and convenient place to grab fresh produce, other perishables and hot meals.
When Varga finished speaking, Councilman Greenwell asked a question about what percentage of the floor space will be designated for groceries, and what portion will be for the cafe. After Varga answered, Greenwell remarked – "And no fried food, right?"
After his comment, Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice talked more about the concept, praised the young minds behind it, and stressed how the project was not only important for her ward, but other food deserts in our city. Her comments were then echoed by Ward 2 Councilman James Cooper.
After all that, Councilwoman Nice circled back to the fried food comment and asked: