Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives spoke out on socialism and the ideas of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, stating that an example of socialism is "a state-owned grocery store as Johnson is doing in Chicago." She made the statements in an Aug. 9 post on X.

"Socialism = a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole," said Ives, Founder. "Example: a state-owned grocery store as Johnson is doing in Chicago."

In her post on X, Ives shared a link to a Chicago Tribune article about Chicago’s progress toward a city-owned grocery store. The Aug. 8 Chicago Tribune article expands on a study regarding the feasibility of a city-owned grocery store to improve citizens’ access to food on the South and West sides of the city. According to the article, grocery store access in those areas has historically been problematic.

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives Aug 9 post on X | X

City Policy Chief S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby told the Chicago Tribune that once a proposal for a city-owned grocery store (or more than one) is complete, the city can apply for funding for that type of project. "We truly believe that public options can increase access, affordability and services in areas where government really should be leaning in and leading the way," Grigsby said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune.

Johnson first announced his intention to explore the idea of a city-owned grocery store in a Sept. 13 news release from the City of Chicago. That news release revealed that the Economic Security Project would provide technical assistance in exploring this possibility. "All Chicagoans deserve to live near convenient, affordable, healthy grocery options. We know access to grocery stores is already a challenge for many residents, especially on the South and West sides. A better, stronger, safer future is one where our youth and our communities have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. My administration is committed to advancing innovative, whole-of-government approaches to address these inequities," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in the news release.

The feasibility study was conducted by the city’s Food Equity Council, which is described as a "multi-year effort, crafted in partnership with a cross-section of community and city representatives to transform the food system by removing barriers to urban farming, supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) food entrepreneurs, and better connecting residents with nutrition programs and healthy affordable food," according to its webpage from the City of Chicago.

Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois State Representative who served six years representing Illinois House District 42, according to Ballotpedia. She ran for governor in 2018 and ran for election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020. She lives in Wheaton, IL.