Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership is announcing a collaboration with two local Black businesses to provide fresh, local produce on the southeast side of Warren.
In the TNP-led initiative, Urban Micro Farms, a Black-owned farm in the city of Warren, is providing produce to Watu Market, a Black-owned convenience store located at 2857 Niles Road S.E.
Watu Market recently expanded its fresh produce offerings by receiving refrigeration and baskets through the Finance Fund – Healthy Food for Ohio (HFFO) grant that was awarded to TNP in the beginning of 2021. The market is a new participant in TNP’s fresh-produce initiative.
“This collaborative approach to mitigating the impacts of food insecurity in Warren not only supports healthy eating, but a healthier food distribution network by lowering food miles and supporting local growers,” said Christian Bennett-Mosley, TNP Healthy Food Access coordinator.
TNP has been addressing food access insecurities through its Healthy Community Store Initiative, which helps store owners source local produce. The nonprofit hopes the collaborations open long-term local distribution opportunities for Valley convenience stores that want to sell healthy foods.
TNP released its Warren Community Food Security Strategic Plan in 2017, which identified impediments to healthy food access and emphasized the need to take a multi-faceted approach to working within the food system including supporting urban agriculture, farmers markets, and partnering with existing retail nodes like corner stores to increase fresh food offerings.
Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership is a 501(c)3 community development organization serving the neighborhoods of Warren. For more information, visit www.tnpwarren.org….
Watu Market
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