This Just In: Historic North Flint Food Market Groundbreaking Celebrated

New grocery store on Flint’s north side will bring access to fresh foods to local residents, renovate long-vacant building

The Flint community joined local, state and federal officials on Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the historic North Flint Food Market - a new co-op urban grocery store soon to open on the north side of Flint. With more than 900 members already, the innovative project will provide much-needed, affordable, healthy food options to area residents, helping address health issues in the documented “food desert” of North Flint.

The project, supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund, is redeveloping and returning a vacant space in the community to productive use, while providing walkable access to fresh foods and produce. The North Flint Food Market is also expected to generate a total capital investment of $7 million while creating 27 permanent, full-time equivalent jobs.

“The new full-service grocery store in North Flint will help residents with the access to healthy, fresh food they deserve, and offer a community space that will create meaningful jobs,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This community partnership and investment address a longstanding need in the community and build the path for economic growth and recovery in Flint. The store will feed families, create jobs, and help us continue our economic jumpstart.” 

Flint residents have faced the departure of living‐wage employers and regional supermarket operators, as well as the effects of the Flint water crisis that impacted children and families who continue to confront long‐term health issues as a result. Establishing a grocery store at this location meets the need for reliable access to fresh foods for people in the community and will also promote walkability in the neighborhood. The North Flint Food Market is also expected to increase confidence in the local economy, create new tax revenue, eliminate the “food desert” status, and encourage other property investors and owners to undertake renovation projects in the area.

In addition to its more than 900 member owners, the project has received significant local community contributions and financial support from philanthropic organizations including the Ruth Mott Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, CS Mott Foundation, and Healthy Food Financing Initiative.

“We know that it’s impossible for people to be the best version of themselves if they are worried about their livelihood or even their next meal, so we are proud to support this community-driven, community-based grocery store to bring new opportunity to the residents of North Flint and the surrounding area,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Strategic Fund and President & Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, who attended Monday’s groundbreaking. “We remain committed to supporting the community in collaboration with our local and regional economic development partners to ensure the future is bright both here in Flint and around the state.”

To read the full announcement on the North Flint Food Market visit here.

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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

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