Southside Market, A Community-Owned Micro-Grocery Store, Opens In Chatham This Month

Southside Market will open in Chatham on October 24, addressing food access issues in a local food desert. This community-owned micro-grocery store occupies just 1,400 square feet but will offer essential groceries, focusing on locally sourced produce and products from vendors of color. Co-founder Mabel Shiu stated, “Access to healthy food is a right,” reinforcing the market's mission to provide nutritious options. Currently, 82 community members have invested in the store, with a goal of reaching 300 owners by opening day. The development process involved extensive community engagement, ensuring local voices were prioritized.

Leaders held pop-up events to gather feedback and incorporate community wishes into the design. The initiative responds to recent grocery closures in the area, including a Walmart and an Aldi, underscoring the urgency of enhancing food access. Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration is exploring city-owned grocery stores to combat food inequity, making community-driven projects like Southside Market vital.