Indy Fresh Market: Why community support matters

Last fall, Indy Fresh Market opened its doors for the first time. A year later, the store is still looking for local support. The community grocery store, located on East 38th Street, was created in response to a growing food desert on Indianapolis’ east side. The idea was to have a neighborhood market with fresh produce, provide jobs with wrap-around services and support for the community, said Ashley Gurvitz, neighbor and former CEO of Alliance of Northeast Unification. “Healthy communities cannot thrive unless you meet those basic needs, so we have to support the grocery store to be able to feel like our quality of life will be met,” Gurvitz said. “And while we are really grateful that a lot of developments come in, we as a community have to stand in alignment together, so when outside interests come in, we’re not being displaced.” A market for the community Kroger, Aldi, Walmart and Safeway reportedly left the area or moved to locations further north. For many residents, this meant a simple trip to the store required driving miles away from their homes rather than right around the corner, Gurvitz said.& So, after years of planning, Indy Fresh Market was born...