Indy Fresh Market, a new grocery store opened up off E. 38 Street and Sheridan Avenue on the city’s east side. Access to a new store brought much-needed relief to one of the biggest food deserts in the city.  

Co-owner, Marcus Williams grew up on the east side and said there were more grocery stores when he was a kid, but they have since closed.

“We need food around here,” said co-owner Marcus Williams, “So, this store has been in the planning process for about three years. Kroger’s gone. Safeway is gone. Walmart’s gone. The closest store is five miles away. So, we had to do something to provide for the community.”

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The locally black-owned store has been in the works for nearly three years and saw more than 1,000 customers walk through the doors a the soft opening. 

Co-owner Michael McFarland said he has known Williams since the 6th grade.

“This is also the neighborhood I grew up in and it feels good to give back. Most of the people we have working here are taking advantage of our second chance opportunity. A lot of them are on probation or house arrest,” said McFarland.

“You might be a stocker today, but you could be a manager or supervisor tomorrow. These are our people. We’re coming back to a neighborhood we grew up in and giving back.”

Indy Fresh Market

The new full-service, 16,772-square-foot grocery store is a collaboration between Cook, IMPACT Central Indiana, Martin University, neighborhood leaders, Goodwill, the City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, Michael McFarland & Marckus Williams and national grocery store expert Joe The Grocer.

According to Indy Food Policy over 200,000 Indianapolis residents live in a food desert, and 10,500 live without access to a car or bus to reach grocery stores. To be considered a food desert more than 33% of an urban population must live more than one mile from a grocery store.

With a steadfast commitment to tackling food insecurity, fostering neighborhood ownership, and providing access to affordable, nutritious food, Indy Fresh Market has successfully established a model that will positively impact the community and address its needs.

“Food is a necessity for life. Now, we have access to healthy foods in the community. It feels amazing to get all the great feedback,” said Williams.

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.

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