Green Grocer Program celebrates first ribbon cutting since 2024 relaunch, bringing walkable grocery access to Dexter-Linwood neighborhood

• Kandies launches Kandies Mini Mart within its sandwich shop and catering operation, adding a fresh grocer section that brings walkable food access to the Dexter-Linwood neighborhood
• Opening marks first Green Grocer Program ribbon cutting since 2024 relaunch, following seven-year hiatus
• Owner Jacquisha Blackwell received $25,000 Green Grocer grant to purchase refrigeration, shelving and upgrade electrical systems
• Program generated more than $50 million in investment during first phase (2010-2017), supporting over 40 grocery businesses and creating 115 jobs across 14 stores

Mayor Mary Sheffield, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and City leaders joined Detroiter Jacquisha Blackwell today to celebrate the opening of Kandies Mini Mart, the first Green Grocer Program ribbon cutting since the program relaunched in 2024. The new grocery section within Blackwell's Kandies sandwich shop and catering service brings fresh food, local products and grocery essentials to the Dexter-Linwood neighborhood. Blackwell received a $25,000 grant to establish the expansion.

Hybrid food destination fills neighborhood gap

Kandies, located inside the Durfee Innovation Society, has evolved into a hybrid neighborhood food destination offering prepared meals alongside fresh produce, dairy, baked goods and other essential grocery and personal items.

Blackwell decided to add a grocery section to her location to meet the everyday needs of nearby residents by providing affordable, walkable access to fresh food.

"In this neighborhood, there isn't a walkable grocery store nearby, so families are often forced to rely on fast food or convenience stores," said Blackwell. "Kandies Mini Market aims to help close that gap. We talk to our customers, learn what they need and what they can afford and build our offerings around that."

The DEGC manages the Green Grocer Program in partnership with the City of Detroit. The program prioritizes small-format grocery stores, hybrid food concepts and convenience retailers that expand access to fresh and healthy food close to where residents live.

"Every corner of our city deserves this type of investment," said Sheffield. "As mayor, it is my goal to provide more opportunities like this for our residents - walkable access to fresh foods, local ownership, good jobs for our young people. The Green Grocer Program will play a pivotal role in making this happen."

Mayor Mary Sheffield and business owner Jacquisha Blackwell celebrate the grand opening of Kandies Mini Mart inside the Durfee Innovation Society in the Dexter Linwood neighborhood, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the DEGC's Green Grocer program

Green Grocer's track record and return

Originally launched in 2010, Green Grocer ran until 2017 when it paused due to funding limitations. During that time, the program strengthened Detroit's grocery sector by supporting neighborhood grocers and expanding access to fresh, healthy food. The program helped generate more than $50 million in investment during its first phase, provided over $1 million in facade and technical assistance funding and loan financing to more than 40 Detroit grocery businesses and supported the creation of 115 jobs across 14 stores.

Coleman A. Young II, Detroit City Council President Pro Tempore At-Large, championed the program's relaunch and secured funding to bring it back in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus.

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come. The idea of a grocery store in every Detroit neighborhood that serves fresh food, clean water, for sound minds and healthy bodies - is an idea whose time has come," said Young.

Grant investment helps Kandies expand

The $25,000 grant Kandies received was used to purchase refrigeration and shelving, upgrade electrical systems and expand grocery offerings while maintaining affordable pricing. The business accepts EBT and WIC and curates its products based on ongoing conversations with neighborhood residents.

"Jacquisha didn't need us to tell her what her neighborhood needs. She was already serving her community," said Sean Gray, senior vice president at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. "We gave her the resources to expand what she was doing well. It's an investment that will create a significant impact in this community."

Kandies employs seven staff members, the majority of whom are Detroit youth. The business partners with organizations including Grow Detroit's Young Talent, Legacy Youth Travel and Detroit schools to provide job training, mentorship and employment opportunities.

"God placed me exactly where I needed to be," Blackwell said. "I applied for this program, prayed and trusted the process. When I received the call, I knew this was bigger than me. This is about serving the community and being obedient to the purpose God put on my heart."

Additional Detroit-based food businesses are expected to move forward through the program as the Green Grocer Program continues. The expansion will further increase access to healthy food options while reinforcing the role of neighborhood-scale grocery stores as essential community assets.

Interested businesses can learn more about the Green Grocer Program and small business resources at degc.org/greengrocer.

Mayor Sheffield talks to one of the employees after the grand opening of Kandies Mini Mart.

Kandies Mini Mart is now a source of fresh produce in the Dexter Linwood neighborhood

About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC):

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit's lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.