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Bringing Fresh Produce to Corner Stores in Declining Neighborhoods: Reflections from Detroit FRESH

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  • Pothukuchi, Kameshwari

Abstract

The paper reports and reflects on an action research project to increase availability and sales of fresh produce in 26 neighborhood corner stores in Detroit, Michigan. Through analysis of neighbor­hood, store-related, and supply-chain character­istics, I identify factors in successful operations as well as challenges confronted by stores between 2009 and 2012, when many Detroit neighborhoods lost population due to tax foreclosure and aban­donment. Neighborhood distress was reflected in challenges experienced by a majority of stores, including those that dropped out of the project prematurely (five out of seven), or participated only inconsistently (seven out of 10). Nine stores supplied fresh produce consistently. Operators with high levels of performance tended to be in zip codes experiencing population losses at a lower rate than the citywide average, be more committed to their store-neighborhood, have more experience with fresh produce sales, and be more willing to test alternatives. This paper reflects on the chal­lenges of implementing corner store strategies in rapidly depopulating neighborhoods without ongoing subsidy. It also demonstrates the lessons in implementing them as action research projects including with students and community partners. See the press release for this article.

Suggested Citation

  • Pothukuchi, Kameshwari, 2016. "Bringing Fresh Produce to Corner Stores in Declining Neighborhoods: Reflections from Detroit FRESH," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 7(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:joafsc:359869
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    1. Karpyn, Allison & Burton-Laurison, Hannah, 2013. "Rethinking Research: Creating a Practice-Based Agenda for Sustainable Small-Scale Healthy Food Retail," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 3(4).
    2. Zenk, S.N. & Schulz, A.J. & Israel, B.A. & James, S.A. & Bao, S. & Wilson, M.L., 2005. "Neighborhood racial composition, neighborhood poverty, and the spatial accessibility of supermarkets in metropolitan Detroit," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(4), pages 660-667.
    3. Amy Guptill & Jennifer Wilkins, 2002. "Buying into the food system: Trends in food retailing in the US and implications for local foods," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 19(1), pages 39-51, March.
    4. Dannefer, R. & Williams, D.A. & Baronberg, S. & Silver, L., 2012. "Healthy bodegas: Increasing and promoting healthy foods at corner stores in New York City," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(10), pages 27-31.
    5. Moore, L.V. & Diez Roux, A.V., 2006. "Associations of neighborhood characteristics with the location and type of food stores," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(2), pages 325-331.
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