The
Detroit Economic Growth Corp. has brought Sarah Fleming on board to manage the recently launched Fresh Food Access Initiative (FFAI). The foundation-funded program will work to enhance grocery shoppers' experiences and access to fresh food options in the city of Detroit.
While there are no large-scale chain grocery stores within the city limits, Detroit has 80-100 independent markets that vary widely in terms of quality. "We're going to get in there, help them stabilize and, in the process, get fresher food out to Detroit communities," says Fleming. Along with financial assistance, FFAI will offer participating grocers technical assistance from qualified consultants that might include marketing, accounting, design and sourcing.
Fleming comes to DEGC from Chicago, where she most recently worked as a project manager and zoning coordinator for the RISE Group, overseeing the planning and zoning process for public buildings constructed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. She has an urban planning degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and has also worked for the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, the City of Glasgow, Scotland, and the Detroit Greater Downtown Partnership.
Fleming's first goal is familiarizing herself with Detroit's bureaucracy so that she can "help grocers with their immediate needs in terms of zoning and permits." At the same time, she plans to build relationships with Detroit's community of grocers so that they are familiar with FFAI and how it can assist their business.
Her first month on the job has included visits to numerous grocers. "I was surprised by the quality of the stores once you got inside of them," she says. Addressing that outward appearance also is something that FFAI is prepared to tackle.
Source: Sarah Fleming, DEGC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.