The Wonder Bakery Thriftshop in Ukiah, a relic of American nostalgia, is facing possible closure after over 40 years of providing affordable baked goods to the community. Nestled beside a cannabis dispensary, the shop offers heavily discounted Wonder Bread, Twinkies, and other treats, serving as a lifeline for low-income residents amid rising food prices. With 16.7% of Ukiah’s population living in poverty, the store’s closure would mark the end of an era and a valuable resource for those struggling to make ends meet.
Despite its impact on the community, the shop has seen a decline in business. Former employee Mary Perez described it as “a community thing” that has helped local food banks and shelters. Meanwhile, customers like Charlie Anderson, raising his grandsons after a family tragedy, rely on the store to stretch their limited budgets. Community members, including social worker Kim Nailor, are rallying to support the store, hoping it can survive these challenging times.
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Sad times. We lived on this store. Helped us through hard times
Many more are living in poverty in Ukiah than that. I would put it at minimum 60% is in poverty. Outlandish rents and housing prices, hardly any industry to support it, no jobs, many drug users etc. I think higher of even Lake County. At least they have low housing costs.
low housing costs in Lake County where? to live in a tweaker filled slummy trailer park or other hovel around the town of Clearlake?