Three markets, and their customers, to benefit from Green Grocer Project’s first award of $90,000

The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. has made grants to three city markets under its Green Grocer Project. The grants are the program’s first awards since its launch in May 2010, and will benefit the following independent grocery stores:

• Family Fair Food Center, located on Chene Street at Lafayette, will
  receive up to $30,000 in matching funds for a planned $350,000 exterior
  renovation. Improvements will be made to the store’s facade, entryway, parking lot, signage
  and lighting.
• Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe, scheduled to open soon at 3100 Woodward Ave. in Brush Park,
  will receive $30,000 that will go towards up to 75% of its eligible
  costs for the development of a store marketing plan and construction documents as well as other start-up-related expenses.
• Metro Foodland at 18551 Grand River in Rosedale Park will receive $7,500 towards marketing materials including
  launching and managing a loyalty card and a healthy eating campaign. Another $22,500 is set aside to match other
  eligible costs for additional store improvements.

The goal of the Green Grocer Project is to improve the overall quality of Detroiters’ grocery shopping experiences and access to fresh food. It is funded by the Kresge Foundation and the City of Detroit, but additional funding is being solicited by DEGC to grow the program. It currently includes a technical assistance
grant program, a grocer clearinghouse for existing store operators and
others interested in making new investments in Detroit and a revolving
loan fund.

For more information, or to apply for the program, contact GreenGrocer@DEGC.org.

Source: DEGC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh