Discover How Lower Price Hill’s Community Store is Revolutionizing Access to Affordable Food

Meiser’s Market may look typical from the outside, but it’s truly special inside.

Managed by Jasmine Taylor, this store on State Avenue in Lower Price Hill is more than just a grocery stop. As she walks through the aisles, she greets customers who come to chat and shop.

At the front, there’s a vibrant display of produce. Fresh greens, plump tomatoes, and sweet bananas are just a few of the options available. Thanks to local nonprofits like LaSoupe and the Freestore Foodbank, all of this is free, making it a vital resource for families in the area.

“For many, this is the closest they can get to fresh food without a long bus ride,” Taylor explains. “It’s exciting for those who love to cook. They feel they can create so much with these ingredients.”

In the back of the store, a microwave is available for warming prepared meals. It’s a thoughtful touch for those without easy access to cooking facilities.

Alongside the free items, Meiser’s also sells essentials like canned beans and personal care products. Taylor makes an effort to stock familiar favorites, including chili and sausage gravy, which resonate with the local community’s heritage.

“People love sharing their breakfast creations with me,” she adds with a smile.

This market serves as a unique blend of grocery store, food pantry, and community hub, addressing food insecurity in a area where over half the population struggles to find reliable access to food, according to USDA data.

After the original Meiser’s Market closed in 2017, residents had to trek a half-hour uphill to the nearest grocery store—a challenge for those without cars. For years, the space remained unused, leaving a gap in the neighborhood.

A local nonprofit, Community Matters, saw an opportunity and took action. With support from Price Hill Will, they refurbished the space and reopened it in late 2021 as Meiser’s Market again.

Desirae Hosley from Your Store for the Queen City highlights the importance of community feedback in this transformation. “We wanted to create a small grocery store feel—something that fits the neighborhood,” she notes. They aim to hire residents, ensuring that locals benefit directly from this initiative.

Every Tuesday, the market becomes more than a shopping spot. It hosts free community meals, where neighbors gather over a warm bowl of soup and share stories. As they eat, they also learn about healthy eating and local resources.

“We focus on health and community connections,” Taylor says. “People aren’t just filling their stomachs; they’re learning.” Lower Price Hill faces diet-related health issues, making these conversations vital.

One notable change has been how children engage with the store’s offerings. “When kids have healthy options, they make healthier choices,” Taylor shares. “It’s all about providing those choices.”

As Meiser’s continues to grow, Hosley believes the model can inspire other neighborhoods facing similar challenges. “We have a blueprint for success here,” she affirms. “Let’s help others do the same.”

This market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a lifeline, fostering community, health, and resilience in Lower Price Hill.

For more insights, you can explore the USDA’s findings on food access and the impact of local nonprofits in urban areas.

Source link