By Tanya Terry
The biggest crowd that has gathered for a tour yet gathered to walk through the soon-to-be-open North Flint Food Market on October 28. The market is located at 5402 N Clio Rd, on Flint’s north side.
“It was a combination of the community, as well as our members getting a first look at what has begun to take place over at the North Flint Food Market,” said Arlene Wilborn, general manager for the North Flint Market.
Wilborn added: “So many times, the community drives by the parking lot each and and every day. But no one has an opportunity to come inside and actually see what is going on and how far we have came from where we started.”
Wilborn explained to the Courier that since the last tour, the graphics are the main thing that has transformed in the store.
“Other than myself, nobody has really had an opportunity to see that piece of décor,” Wilborn added.
Wilborn told the Courier 90% of the construction of the store is completed.
“What we’re waiting for is the permits.”
These permits will be for the electrical work, the plumbing and permits for the new signage that will go outside on the store and by the main road. The Department of Agriculture also has to come in and inspect all the equipment to make sure it’s running properly.
Wilborn talked to the Courier about the city council previously questioning expenses Wilborn said she needed covered to open the market, as well as the abundance of support the co-op store has received from various entities.
Councilman Quincy Murphy came to see the facility.
“I think so much negativity has been wrapped around equipment. But being in the industry for such a long time that I’ve been in – working at Meijer, I think it’s very important that if you’re serving the community, you want to make sure the equipment you are purchasing is going to be something that will be long-term, rather than short-term. So, I think it’s important, when it comes to food quality, that you’re purchasing equipment that can meet those needs.”
Wilborn worked for Meijer for 26 years. During that time, she worked at the Pierson Road location in Flint, on Center Road in Burton, in Davison, in Lapeer, in Oxford and in Auburn Hills.
Wilborn pointed out “Ruth Mott and C.S. Mott speaks volumes when it comes to the project,” referring to both organizations’ large financial contributions.
About eighty percent of the members of the North Flint Food Market live within a one-mile, 1.5 and two-mile radius of the store, according to Wilborn.
“I know for my family: my dad, my aunt and other in the neighborhood, they’ve been living in this neighborhood for 40 plus years. For them, not having a grocery store within a one-mile radius of where they live, it’s difficult for them. They have transportation. But they shouldn’t have to drive so far just to get a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk….For them, it’s the least I could do. For those who unfortunately don’t have transportation, we as a community-driven city should always be thinking about how we can make access for healthy choices for those who don’t have transportation. My whole focus is to open this store the correct way, not just put Band-Aids on a building and open it up. But giving our community the type of store that they deserve, that I grew up on.”
The other 20% of the members who do not live in close proximity to the store live as far as Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.
“They believe in what we’re doing here in Flint, Michigan. So, they want to offer their support by contributing as a member just to show their support.”
Over 1,000 members have paid $250 each and will have “a voice in the vote” of the store.
Wilborn stated, however, it’s important to know that “anybody” will be able to shop at the store, not just the members.
Thirty eight individuals will be hired at the North Flint Food Market eventually. Their positions will range from leadership to administrative, as well as other full time and part-time workers.
The store’s event center is expected to be a community outlet space that will be available for rent.
The North Flint Food Market is expected to open before the spring of 2024. The market will be the first co-op grocery store to ever be in Flint.
