If the citizens are so concerned about food deserts then why don’t the locals take matters into their own hands and post at the doors then beat the crap out of the shoplifters as they try to steal. Remembering the case in Nebraska I believe where a town bully got shot and killed while surrounded by a crowd none of whom saw anything. A crowd can certainly beat the crap out of a few thieves. A couple times of that then thieves will move on and the store can stay safe. Keep a group posted as a deterrent. Local laws and police do nothing but vigilante justice will.
Might be useful to pay protection money to one of the cartels, especially if you live in California. No cameras. You have a cartel enforcer as security at a grocery store.