Go Green Community Fresh Market
A model corner grocery store built by the community, for the community.
Intentional
The Go Green Community Fresh Market is built on the foundation of 14 years of IMAN’s flagship Corner Store Campaign. In 2007, an IMAN-led study in partnership with the Applied Research Center at the Chicago Community Trust affirmed two things: Racial tensions existed between Arab corner store owners and predominantly Black residents, and many residents were using these stores for their primary access to food. Recognizing that food access was not only about food – but also about relationships – IMAN officially launched the Corner Store Campaign, intervening to challenge detrimental behaviors and business practices, provide solutions and incentives for stores to improve access to nutritious food and build meaningful relationships with residents. Despite its many accomplishments, the campaign’s impact has been limited in the absence of a model neighborhood store. In 2015, one of IMAN’s partnering corner stores was destroyed in a fire and Englewood resident, R.A.G.E. member, and Corner Store Campaign leader, Ms Cunningham, helped to plant the seeds for this model store and community market.
Critical
Limited access to fresh produce is a serious challenge in our community— above average rates of obesity, and disease result in life expectancies for Englewood residents that are 30 years shorter than that of our downtown neighbors. Poor diet has been linked to mental health challenges, including depression. This is why the 2016 EQLP identified nutrition and mental health among its top neighborhood priorities. In this context, the Fresh Market will not only make healthy eating accessible for at least 6,000 residents for whom this will be the only fresh produce store within walking distance, but also play a critical role in healing the community through creative placemaking. Additionally, Englewood currently sees up to $55M in grocery dollars leaving the community each year, largely due to the absence of quality and affordable options. The Fresh Market will fill this gap and seize the opportunity to localize spending.
Impactful
The Fresh Market will serve as a catalytic force that inspires a commitment to nutrient dense foods, engages corner stores, urban farms, and local vendors and growers, and diversifies the food ecosystems landscape on the South Side. It will offer a robust membership plan with attractive privileges for residents, vendors, and friends, including a variety of health and nutrition offerings, prioritizing food security for all Englewood residents through its Food Security Fund. The Fresh Market will serve as the headquarters for IMAN’s Corner Store Campaign, amplifying impact on nutritious food access across Englewood. The foot traffic generated by the Fresh Market will help make the 63rd and Racine intersection an attractive location for new residents and businesses.