University of Houston-Downtown's Lemke on lack of grocers: 'The consumer base to support those institutions isn’t present in those neighborhoods'

The ubiquitous sight of fast food establishments in the southwest Houston neighborhood that's home to his church has the Reverend Brandon Washington taking the initiative to teach his congregants the benefits of healthy eating. 

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Washington, the pastor of Word of Faith Church in Hiram Clarke, hosts a monthly food giveaway that allows neighborhood residents to have access to free, healthy foods that are practically unavailable in the area. 

The clergyman told KHOU that whole grain and anything vegan related are rare in Hiram Clarke, saying the only options residents seemingly have are fried chicken.

“Literally right next to Kentucky Fried Chicken, there’s Hart’s Chicken Buffet and then we have Popeyes chicken," Washington said, according to the station. 

Second Servings, Houston's sole prepared and perishable food rescue organization, provides the drive with surplus foods from grocery stores, KHOU reported. 

“If this food wasn’t picked up today, then it would all get thrown away," Second Servings of Houston marketing manager Kristen Torrez told the station.

Residents who frequent the giveaway believe Hiram Clarke deserves to have its own actual grocery store.

"It would be nice if we had a Whole Foods over here on this side of town," Edgar Flores told KHOU. “We might be poorer in this neighborhood, but we’re all the same people out here.”

University of Houston-Downtown assistant professor Dr. Michael Lemke said it's up to businesses as to where to open a store.

“The consumer base to support those institutions isn’t present in those neighborhoods as it is in other areas," Lemke told KHOU. "Maybe offer some sort of subsidies for grocery stores to relocate into those neighborhoods."

Lemke told KHOU that limits on fast food and more assistance would help places like Hiram Clarke.

Washington hinted openness toward a discount store in the area.

“If they would do a discount store, I think they will show up for it and they’ll purchase," the pastor said, KHOU reported.

Washington said the next giveaway will be on March 24 at 12:30 p.m. at the church, located at 3831 W. Fuqua St.