Jackson’s Initiative: A New Grocery Store Set to Transform Southside Food Desert

Jackson, MI — Good news for residents on Jackson’s southside! They are closer to getting access to fresh food.

The city has been working on developing land near South Cooper and East Biddle streets, close to Alma Machinery Co. This area covers 5.3 acres, with one part owned by the city and the other by Consumers Energy. City Chief Equity Officer John Willis shared that negotiations are underway to purchase the land from the utility company. The city council will review this deal on September 30.

“I feel great that I’m seeing some movement,” said Willis, expressing optimism about the project.

Once the land is secured, a developer will step in to create plans for a grocery store. While the name of the developer has not been disclosed, Willis has noted their enthusiasm. “Our developer is very active and eager to get started,” he said. Full project details should emerge in October.

The choice of the Cooper Street site is based on several factors. In prior discussions, local grocers highlighted elements like traffic flow, population density, and truck access, which made this location ideal. It can support a larger store, between 38,000 and 50,000 square feet, compared to a smaller site the city previously bought on Prospect Street, which could only accommodate a 15,000 to 20,000-square-foot store.

Many residents currently travel 15 minutes to reach stores like Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi. City officials and locals agree that addressing the food desert in this area is essential for improving community life. Research shows that areas with better access to groceries can lead to healthier eating habits and better overall well-being.

In 2022, Jackson purchased vacant land to attract a grocery store but faced limitations in terms of space. The new development aims to fill this gap, addressing both food availability and potentially adding amenities like a medical clinic or bank, though those plans depend on the developer.

As this project unfolds, it reflects a broader trend seen nationwide: communities pushing for better access to fresh, nutritious food. Access to grocery stores plays a crucial role in community health, and cities like Jackson are taking essential steps to improve this aspect of residents’ lives.

For more updates on local food access issues, you may find insights from the USDA’s Economic Research Service here.

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