We are opening a cooperative grocery store for Vance and Downtown Memphis. Working with U of M, Vance Avenue Collaborative, and select leaders in the Memphis community, we aim to make this area more food secure.
The Green Machine, a fresh produce grocery store on wheels, was set up as an interim step in eventually starting a food cooperative. There is no fresh produce grocery store for Vance and downtown. Our project is opening a cooperative grocery store in the area. The cooperative model is important because the money made just goes back into the community, ultimately aiding in revitalization of this area.
We are currently working on a small area market study to use in drafting an effective business plan to aid in funding opportunities. Next we will build the structure of the cooperative, hashing out what it takes to become a member and who will hold board positions. Then we will prepare the physical space.
The Vance Avenue Collaborative came together in an effort to save public housing projects in Memphis. Through their meetings, some important issues were identified, the most important of which is food security. The Green Machine, a fresh produce grocery store on wheels, was set up to help this problem while we work on a more permanent solution, a grocery cooperative. This area lacks access to fresh food. Our store will be accessible by bus and on foot.
