For those that don't know St. Louis, that is one tough area. There are a lot of drugs and crime.
There are also a lot of people just trying to live their lives.
If I had the funding I would do this right now:
A community owned grocery store, like co-op, that everyone in the neighborhood could order what they needed.
Yes, it would be off-brands, probably, but poor people already buy off-brands. And being able to get things even cheaper than Wal-mart would be a big draw.
And to be able to buy things cheaper, or even at the same price as Wal-Mart or Family Dollar, but the people would also be able to work there to pay for part of the price of their purchases. And it would build equity in the community.
As it expanded day care could be added, or a co-op shuttle that did deliveries to shut-ins and the elderly, or just to get people home with their groceries without struggling on the city buses.
And a community garden could be established, both growing to sell, or just to allow people to have a space and the support to grow their own veg.
A coffee house that could also double as a community center.
Yes, there would be difficulties. But I believe it would grow and flourish, and it would create tremendous community pride.
I hope someone that can do this is reading this. I think this should happen in low income neighborhoods especially, but it would be good in all communities.
The shorter the distance money has to travel, the stronger it is and the more worth it has.
A community grocery co-op needs to be Occupied! in North Grand!
EDIT: It also occurred to me that a community kitchen, where co-op members could bring or buy their own food and use the stove and microwave and even pots and pans and dishes, and eat there. That would help a lot of people out.
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