ENGLEWOOD — Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Wednesday plans to build a Whole Foods Market in Englewood.
The mayor claims the 18,000-square-foot store, slated to open in 2016, will create a "strong economic anchor" in the low-income community.
But critics question whether Whole Foods — known for its high-quality food and higher prices — will be affordable for most Englewood residents.
According to the American Community Survey, the median household income in Englewood in 2011 was $19,692. The average was $33,599.
DNAinfo Chicago compared prices on basic food items in the Englewood Aldi, 620 W. 63rd St. — which sits just blocks from the proposed Whole Foods location — and a Near West Side Whole Foods Market, 1101 S. Canal St.
While some prices were similar, Whole Foods was always more expensive — sometimes by a lot. A dozen large eggs at Aldi cost 89 cents. At Whole Foods, the eggs rang in at $2.99.
"Those prices are too high," said Jamillah Brown, a 40-year-old mother of five. "I don’t know how they’re going to make it here. People are on a fixed income working with a budget and kids.”
When the Whole Foods opens in 2016, Brown said, "I’m coming right here to Aldi and getting three cartons of eggs for the price of one” at Whole Foods.
Brown's mother, Louise Brown, 58, said she'll check out the Whole Foods because she thinks it's worth it to pay a little extra for quality.
“Most stores I go to — their food isn’t that fresh," Louise Brown said. But if the prices are too high, she plans to head right back to Aldi. “I try to get my money to stretch."
Here's what DNAinfo Chicago found*:
DAIRY
Aldi Grade A Large Eggs, 12 count, 89 cents
WF 365 Everyday Value Large Brown Eggs, 12 count, $2.99
Aldi Whole Milk, 1 gallon, $1.89
WF Whole Milk, 1 gallon, $3.49 (organic $5.99)
Aldi Happy Farms Mexican Shredded Cheese, 12 oz., $2.99
WF Andrew & Everett Mexican Mix Shredded Cheese, 8 oz., $5.99
Aldi Happy Farms Sliced Cheddar Cheese, 8 oz., $1.79
WF 365 Everyday Value Kosher Cheddar Slices, 12 oz., $3.99 SALE (reg. $4.99)
Aldi Countryside Creamery Butter (salted, unsalted), 16 oz., $2.49
WF 365 Everyday Value Grade AA Butter (unsalted, salted), 16 oz., $2.99
MEAT
Aldi Kirkwood Chicken Breast, $2.49/lb.
WF Chicken Breast, $6.99/lb.
Aldi Ground Beef, 80 percent lean, $2.79/lb.
WF U.S. Ground Beef from Round, $6.99/lb.
Aldi Lunchmate Sliced Honey Ham, 16 oz., $2.89
WF Applegate Naturals Sliced Slow-Cooked Ham, 10.5 oz., $6.39
Aldi Lunchmate Sliced Oven-Roasted Turkey, 9 oz., $2.29
WF Applegate Naturals Sliced Turkey Breast, 7 oz., $4.39
PRODUCE
Aldi Bananas, 44 cents/lb.
WF Bananas, 79 cents/lb.
Aldi Cucumbers, 79 cents/lb.
WF Cucumbers, $1.49/lb.
Aldi Blueberries, 6 oz., $2.29
WF Blueberries, 6 oz., $3.99
Aldi Strawberries, 16 oz., $1.29
WF Strawberries, 16 oz., $3.99
Aldi Iceberg Lettuce, $1.09 per head
WF Iceberg Lettuce, $1.99 per head
Aldi Naval Oranges, 70 cents/lb.
WF Naval Oranges, $1.99/lb.
Aldi Whole Seedless Watermelon, $3.79 each
WF Whole Watermelon, $3.99 each SALE (reg. $5.99)
BREAD AND PANTRY
Aldi L’Oven Fresh Whole Grain White Bread Loaf, 24 oz., $1.29
WF 365 Everyday Value Classic White Bread, 22 oz., $3.49
Aldi Millville Frosted Flakes, 17 oz., $1.69
WF Frosted Amazon Flakes, 14 oz., $3.99
Aldi Peanut Delight Peanut Butter (crunchy, creamy), 18 oz., $1.89
WF 365 Everyday Value Peanut Butter (crunchy, creamy), 18 oz., $2.79 (organic $4.99)
Aldi Reggano Elbow Pasta, 32 oz., $1.49
WF 365 Everyday Value Elbow Pasta, 16 oz., $1.69
Aldi Boulder Aluminum Foil, 75 feet, $1.99
WF 365 Everyday Value Aluminum Foil, 75 feet, $3.99
DESSERTS AND SNACKS
Aldi Sundae Shoppe Ice Cream Sandwiches, 12 bars, $2.49
WF Whole Treat Organic Ice Cream Sandwich, 6 bars, $4.39
Aldi GT Cola, 12 12-oz. cans, $2.29
WF 365 Everyday Value Cola, 12 12-oz. cans, $5.69
Aldi Belmont Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, 48 oz., $2.69
WF 365 Everyday Value Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, 1.75 qt., $4.99
*When possible, the Whole Foods store brand (its cheapest option) was used. High-end, artisinal products were avoided in an attempt to create an apples-to-apples comparison. Prices were compared Wednesday, Sept. 4.
