FROM DESERT TO OASIS
The resurgence of a full-service grocery store in Central Topeka.
Residents Served
12,000+
Households Below Poverty Level
30%
Residents Without a Vehicle
25%
return a grocery store to central Topeka
WHO IS INVOLVED?
• 12,000 residents
• 30% below poverty level
• Nearly half are people of color
• About 900 veterans
• 25% without vehicles
• 32% households include a person with disabilities
WHY IS THIS NEEDED?
Food Access Problem
Central Topeka lacks grocery stores within walking distance.
Health Impact
Limited access to fresh food increases risks of chronic illness.
Community Benefits
The grocery store will provide healthy food and a community gathering space.
WHAT WILL THE STORE PROVIDE?
• 14,000 square foot grocery store
• Fresh produce and meats
• Local food when available
• WIC and SNAP accepted
• Community engagement
• Local employment opportunities
WHEN?
2016
Community grocery store closes
2018
Residents organize CTGO
November 2022
City of Topeka awards $628,000 ARPA grant
Present
Business planning and architectural design underway
WHEre?
Important factors related to a central Topeka grocery store
With the availability of solar or wind as a source of electricity, the use of energy saving equipment, and practices that conserve packaging and use fruits and vegetables in the preparation of meals for sale, the store has the best opportunity to sustain itself.
The recommended store size is between 10,000-14,000 square feet. The store will accept SNAP and WIC.
The store can be built with grants/donations and local bonds. These offer the lowest upfront cost for a grocer, potential for a low lease fee, and freedom from debt-- all savings which can be passed on to shoppers.
The store should be aesthetically pleasing and designed for safety, security and flexibility in a post-COVID world.
The store is to be designed to serve the needs of culturally diverse low/moderate persons in Central Topeka neighborhoods for access to affordable healthy foods: fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. It will also make fresh groceries available to nearby businesses, hospitals, churches, schools, Washburn University and workers in transit.
The store will provide training and a living wage to the manager and employees.
We wish for the store to provide a blueprint for other Topeka areas where low income and poor access to healthy foods dominate the character and health inequities of neighborhoods.
The cost of construction relating to tear down versus a "clean" site is an important financial consideration that could affect the cost of groceries and the sustainability of the store.
The store will offer community engagement. It will provide opportunities for purchasing money orders, for check cashing, and for making utility payments and securing postal services.
The store will require an experienced grocer in order to succeed. This factor does not preclude entrepreneurial involvement.
The store will be a catalyst in the resurgence of community and dignity for our neighbors.
