SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In Syracuse's southwest side, access to fresh and healthy food can be scarce.
It's a problem that residents say comes with consequences for families.
"They go to corner stores and they buy stuff that's probably not healthy for them, might be a little outdated," local resident Mercedes Jones said. "Also spending their food stamps that's supposed to take care of their children for the rest of the month in one day or two days because the prices in the markets are maybe three times the regular price."
Cheaper, healthier food is on its way. Friday officials broke ground on a new Price Rite on South Avenue. Residents said it's a long time coming.
"It helps our teenagers and our youth and our babies survive," Jones said. "They receive good nutrition."
Leaders and residents said the benefits of this grocery store can go far beyond food, and they hope it can become an anchor for this southwest community."
"They're already talking about the development that it will spur around the store," Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said. "They're talking about hiring the people in the neighborhood that wants jobs."
Price Rite leaders said the store will bring around 100 full and part time jobs.
"The access of being in the center of our community is going to uplift our economics," Jones said. "We're going to grow because we have the ability to provide for ourselves."
Price Rite leaders hope to have the supermarket open sometime in November or December.