I grew up frequently visiting the Lucky Market, a corner store at the end of my neighborhood block. This store was a convenient spot throughout my childhood and even today. During my school days, I often walked home and would stop by the Lucky Market for snacks with the little cash I had. It was the only nearby store before any others were constructed, making it my go-to place for a quick snack.
In the neighborhood where I grew up, the small details, like a corner store, mattered to me. Although Lucky Market wasn’t a large corporation, its presence was significant. Over the years, it expanded from a small business into a mini grocery store. They now offer a variety of items similar to larger grocery stores, including fruits, vegetables, pasta and sauces, and even laundry detergent. This expansion has brought in more customers, and the store is thriving with new items in stock. Whenever my mom needed a forgotten food item she forgot to buy at the grocery store, we would drive to the Lucky Market, finding what we needed without wasting gas on a trip to a farther store.
Living in West Fresno, a low-income neighborhood, families often had to travel far to get fresh food since convenience stores were scarce. Our area is considered a “food desert,” where fresh food isn’t easily accessible. This is a hard reality for many neighborhoods, including mine. The Lucky Market was a crucial resource, offering budget-friendly options closer to home. Despite the dry land around us, it would have been wonderful to have more stores developed nearby.
If you ever need something quick and convenient, swing by the Lucky Market at the corner of Elm and Church and grab yourself a snack.
