Happening in Detroit’s Historic North End neighborhood, a sign of change is rising at 8324 Woodward Ave. The Detroit Food Commons (DFC), a collaborative initiative between the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) and Develop Detroit, is nearing completion and set to open its doors to the public in February 2024. This transformative project is not just about providing access to fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables; it is about community empowerment and economic growth.
Detroit, like many urban centers, has grappled with the impact of food deserts, areas where affordable, fresh, and healthy food is scarce. These challenges are particularly pronounced in Black communities, where historical disparities and systemic issues have exacerbated the issue of food security. The consequences ripple through generations, affecting health, educational outcomes, and economic opportunities.
The DBCFSN, founded to ensure the participation and leadership of Detroit’s Black population in the food movement, is at the forefront of the DFC project. Their mission revolves around building self-reliance, food security, and justice in Detroit’s Black community. The DFC is a testament to their commitment, representing a $21.3 million investment in a two-story, mixed-use complex that includes a full-service grocery store.
Established in 2006, the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network is a nonprofit organization at the forefront of sustainable agriculture. The nonprofit operates Detroit’s largest farm, known as D-Town Farm, a seven-acre farm located in Rouge Park. The organization cultivates over 36 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs annually. In addition to fostering agricultural expertise through training cohorts and supporting new farmers, they champion eco-friendly practices. This includes large-scale composting, a rainwater retention system, and a solar energy station generating kilowatts of sustainable solar power.
Malik Yakini, co-founder, and executive director of DBCFSN, highlights the crucial role DFC will play in addressing Detroit’s most challenging health issues. “DFC will bring much-needed access to fresh and nutrient-rich foods to help counter the negative effects of food insecurity, including obesity, high blood pressure, and a host of other health challenges that are negatively impacting Detroiters. As were thinking about how we build a more sustainable and just economy again, food has to figure prominently into that.”
The centerpiece of the DFC project is the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op (DPFC), a community-owned and Black-led grocery store occupying the first floor. With 2,100 member-owners, DPFC will be operated by the community, ensuring a focus on providing healthy and affordable food options. Chris Dilley, interim general manager of DPFC, states, “Our goal is to provide not just groceries, but a sense of ownership and empowerment to our community.”
Becoming a member involves a one-time payment of $200, making individuals eligible to run for a board position, participate in board elections, and share in future profits. The co-op’s nine-member board of directors, elected by the members, will oversee operations and ensure alignment with the community-focused mission.
Tepfirah Rushdan, City of Detroit’s director of urban agriculture, recognizes the impact on the urban agriculture ecosystem and economy. “Not only is it going to provide a convenient source of locally grown organic produce for residents, it’s also going to be a valuable retail outlet for our urban farmers. In addition to all of this, Detroiters are able to own shares in the co-op, giving them a voice in its operation.”
The second floor of the DFC complex is designed to feature four commercial kitchens for emerging food entrepreneurs, a café offering healthy options, and a venue for community gatherings. Yakini highlights DPFC as the only Black-led, community-owned grocery store in the Midwest, confronting industry extractive practices while connecting economic opportunities to local growers and farmers in the supply chain.
Construction has been underway for nearly two years, led by Russell Baltimore and John Abeka. The Motor City Match program recently granted $100,000 to DPFC, contributing to the completion of the project’s objectives and the vision of its member-owners.
DPFC plans to source products from Detroit-based and Black-owned businesses, offering a wide selection of groceries and a deli with prepared foods. The co-op plans to participate in SNAP, WIC, and the Double Up Food Bucks program, creating jobs for Detroit residents. By year three of operations, 40 positions are expected, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Food security extends far beyond mere sustenance; it intricately intertwines with health, education, and economic prosperity. In the resilient fabric of Detroit’s Black community, addressing food security emerges as a pivotal stride toward dismantling systemic inequities. It represents an investment in the well-being of upcoming generations and serves as a conduit to community empowerment.
Observing the transformative endeavors spearheaded by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, it becomes unmistakably clear that the significance of food security transcends the confines of the dining table. It serves as the bedrock upon which more robust and thriving communities are constructed. By nurturing roots and dismantling obstacles, Detroit’s Black community isn’t merely ensuring its food security; it’s planting the seeds for a more radiant and resilient future.
The Detroit Food Commons represents a bold step towards food sovereignty, community empowerment, and economic growth in Detroit. As DPFC prepares to open its doors in 2024, it stands as a symbol of resilience, community-driven change, and a model for equitable and sustainable urban development.
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