DETROIT – Tucked away in the Durfee Innovation Society on Detroit’s west side is Kandie’s Mini Mart, a small store making a big difference. Jacquisha Blackwell, the entrepreneur behind it, describes her shop as “a hidden gem.”
The idea for Kandie’s came to Blackwell after she saw that many in her neighborhood struggled with food access. She already had a sandwich shop and catering business, but she wanted to offer more. Now, her store provides fresh produce and essential items at fair prices.
Blackwell shared her thoughts on why her store is unique. “Some stores just have expired items and high prices. We aim to change that,” she said. Her commitment is to keep prices reasonable and products fresh, making it easier for families and seniors in the area to shop.
A sign in her store invites customers to suggest items they’d like to see on the shelves. This approach not only engages the community but also helps shape the store’s inventory.
Kandie’s Mini Mart received a $25,000 grant from Detroit’s Green Grocer Program, which is run by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). This funding helped the business buy crucial equipment like refrigerators and shelves.
Sean Gray, the Senior Vice President of small business services at DEGC, commented on the program’s mission. “We started more than a decade ago, focusing on attracting larger grocery stores. Now, we’re supporting small stores that understand their neighborhoods,” he said. Gray also emphasized that each small store contributes to the city by improving access to high-quality food.
Kandie’s is part of a growing trend. Currently, there are 18 Green Grocer sites in Detroit, with more on the way. Regular customer Ila Herron highlighted the store’s importance: “You can see people of all ages here. It’s made a real difference in the community.”
Efforts to improve food access in urban areas are crucial. According to a recent report from the USDA, about 10.5% of Americans live in food deserts, areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. What’s happening at Kandie’s is a step towards addressing these issues locally while supporting community engagement.
For those interested in learning more about the Green Grocer Program and other initiatives supporting local businesses, visit the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
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Detroit,Wayne County
