The North Flint Food Market still faces challenges, but organizers and supporters believe they’re close to the finish line.
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – Expanding access to healthy food to thousands of North Flint residents was the purpose and reason for establishing the North Flint Food Market.
But the food co-op, the first of its kind in Flint, has had many setbacks.
“We’re at the finish line and just need a little extra push to get us over there,” NFFM project manager Dr Reginald Flynn said.
For the first time since the pandemic, North Flint Food Market staff, board and co-op members met in person for their monthly meeting.
And there was some good news.
The cooperative’s financial obligations have been met, meaning all builders, contractors and subcontractors have been paid.
It is now possible to allow people into the building.
“We have an occupancy permit. After all these years, it’s a big deal to have an occupancy permit,” Flynn said.
And the first phase is the Gala Events Center, which is expected to open as soon as the center’s job slots are filled.
But there was some bad news.
The co-op’s general manager, Arlene Wilborn, stepped down after five years.
Michael Flynn will also be stepping down as project manager, although Wilborn and Flynn will consult as necessary.
Dr. Flynn told ABC12 they will continue to manage the building, working with the North Flint Reinvestment Authority.
Then there’s the issue of money: The co-op has just over $36,000 in its operating account to pay bills and needs $1.4 million to open.
Co-ops also need vendors.
But members say they still believe everything will work out.
“This was a cooperative, a painstaking effort to insist on building an unconventional organization,” said Bernard Drew, a member of the cooperative.
The project has faced many challenges over the course of more than a decade, but organizers say it will be life-changing in an area known as a food desert.
“We need to provide equality and opportunity to those who deserve it,” Flynn said.
So, at this point, we are still in a waiting state as fundraising, filling management positions, finding vendors and other tasks need to be completed before we can open.
Flynn says his last resort would be to rent out the space, but he’s confident things could turn around if he had the funding.
The Co-op’s Gala Events Center is currently hiring for several positions, including security guards, on-site supervisors and janitors.
For more information about the job, please visit the website.
