Conversion of Wiseway, PayLow to Stracks, Ultra stores nearly complete

The changes in signage are nearly complete and by next week most Wiseway and PayLow grocery stores will be transformed into Strack & Van Til and UltraFoods markets.

New Ultra in town

Workers install a new Ultra Food sign last week at the former PayLow grocery store at 93rd and Taft streets in Merrillville. The changes in signage is nearly complete and by next week most Wiseway and PayLow grocery stores will be transformed into Strack & Van Til and UltraFoods markets.

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FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

PayLow employee Irma Hampton stocks organic and gluten-free products last month at the store in Merrillville.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

Customer Sharon Billo looks at organic cereal late last month with the help of employee Beth Villarreal at PayLow in Merrillville.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

Customer Sharon Billo looks at organic cereal late last month at PayLow in Merrillville.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

PayLow employee Irma Hampton stocks organic and gluten-free products last month at the store in Merrillville. For thousands of people living in Northwest Indiana and Chicago's south suburbs, restricted access to nutritious, high-quality food is prevalent. There are about 86,000 people, or mo…

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

PayLow employee Irma Hampton stocks organic and gluten-free chips late last month at the store in Merrillville.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

PayLow employee Irma Hampton stocks organic and gluten-free chips late last month at the store in Merrillville.

Global demand, ethanol fuel food-price hikes

The continued rise in the cost of corn and other commodities on the global market will be serving up higher food prices at the local table. That doesn't mean, however, that higher grain prices will translate into a banner year for region farmers.