DETROIT – A new grocery store opening on Detroit’s east side plans to bring more healthy options and convenient items to families in an area many describe as one of the city’s food deserts.
“You know these neighborhoods need better groceries,” said Raphael Wright as he completed paperwork behind the counter at the new Neighborhood Grocery at 500 Manistique Street.
Family members described Wright as a young, ambitious, and determined entrepreneur. He just launched the soft opening of Neighborhood Grocery this week.
“This is all about community redevelopment. Getting more businesses in these communities,” Wright said. “And just more activity, overall, and that starts with food and food sovereignty.”
He describes the store as an equity crowd-funded venture with inclusiveness in mind. Community members have been showing up and supporting the store since Sunday.
“I wanted this to be a neighborhood store,” Wright said. “I want people to have a say on what’s on the shelves. What they like. What they don’t like. That’s really what a grocery store is supposed to do, as an anchor.”
Wright and his team are stocking the shelves with locally grown and sourced produce and organic options. There are also items from a variety of vendors across the region.
“We try to get a lot of Michigan and local stuff around here,” said Wright’s nephew, Kieve Grimes.
As word about the new full-service grocery store gets around, shoppers are traveling from areas outside the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to see what the community-based grocery store offers.
Edna Joseph came to Neighborhood Grocery to grab local spices.
“They’ve got low salt,” said Joseph. “So, that’s good for my blood pressure.”
Convenience is key. Some neighbors said the closest full-service grocery store is about 10 minutes away.
“I think one thing that our community needs are more local grocery stores and options for good fresh food,” said Jaime Rae Turnbull.
Wright said he wants the neighborhood grocery to be so much more. He has diabetes.
Through Neighborhood Grocery, his team is also working to raise awareness about health challenges and resources. He’s working with community partners, including the American Heart Association, Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, and East Side Community Network, among others.
Neighborhood Grocery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during its soft opening. The official Grand Opening of Neighborhood Grocery is Nov. 18.