How Detroit Grocery Stores are Responding to the Pandemic

The Vegetarian Detroit Podcast: Episode 4

How is the pandemic affecting Detroit grocery stores? Raphael Wright, Owner of Neighborhood Grocery, talks with Jewell about the lack of fresh, healthy food in Detroit grocery stores and the pandemic’s effect. Neighborhood Grocery is Detroit’s first black owned, community owned grocery store slated to open in Jefferson Chalmers in Fall 2021.

Raphael Wright, Owner of Neighborhood Grocery

Raphael starts the conversation off by explaining that a lot of the grocery stores in Detroit do not carry high quality, healthy food. This is referred to as a food swamp, because there is food available, it just doesn’t carry much nutritional value. Raphael adds that the role of grocery stores in a community is essential and as important as the role of a doctor.

Raphael and I discuss the importance of inclusion in Detroit’s community. Having community input has its benefits including stocking shelves with items customers want to buy and shared ownership. Sourcing food from local farmers and urban gardens means food is fresher and healthier, but also is a way to keep prices competitive among neighborhood markets. Raphael makes the point that shopping at local, community grocers, versus at big box stores, puts money back into the community, creates jobs, and ultimately goes further.

You can stay up to date with Neighborhood Grocery on social media at @neighborhoodgrocery. For more info on Neighborhood Grocery and how you can become an investor, visit Neighborhood-grocery.com. And don’t forget to listen to the episode to hear Raphael’s positive pandemic pick.

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