Dayton is a designated food desert according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research. USDA identifies food deserts as low-income communities in the US, which lack access to stores that sell healthy yet affordable food. Not having access to affordable healthy food options can lead to diet-related illnesses within a community. After identifying these issues in West Dayton, residents and stakeholders formed a committee, and surveyed whether a cooperatively-run grocer could be a viable solution to the areas needs. With support from the City and the County, as well as the University of Dayton, the Gem City Market was constructed to address the food desert in West Dayton.

The market opened in May 2021 with over 3,200 member-owners, showcasing a strong investment from the community as well as a slow yet steady gain of momentum for the project. Gem City Market was recognized for its service to the community and presented the 2022 Irv Bieser Peace Award by the Dayton Rotary in September, and in November, the founders of the Gem City Market also won the NAACP’s President’s Award.

Gem City Market is committed to making sure food is readily available to local residents of all income levels, with programs like their “WeGotchu” sale, where they match EBT/SNAP eligible purchases at 50%. In addition to providing access to affordable, healthy food the market also provides a number of services to the community regarding health and wellness. They’ve partnered with Third Perk Coffee House, who operates the on-site café, as well as Expressions of Life, a Dayton local organization who helps coordinate programming for their community room, teaching kitchen and the small attached health clinic.

The market operates on a member-owner model, extended to both shoppers and employees, which allows people to purchase a share of the store and keeps ownership firmly within the hands of the community. Membership isn’t required to shop at the market but it does provide some benefits such as unique sales and discounts as well as participation in their annual meetings and board member eligibility. Membership is a one-time purchase at $100 per share, and they do have payment plans available as well as low-cost alternative membership for those receiving government-assistance or consider themselves limited, low or fixed income. It is also possible to purchase a supporter membership, for those unlikely to shop at the market but still wanting to showcase their support, which allows the market to maintain affordable prices for their membership subscriptions.

Cover image by Gem City Market via Facebook