Dawson Community launches cashless grocery with free meals for local students

In a vibrant meeting held at Tulsa City Hall, community leaders gathered to discuss transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the Dawson neighborhood. The centerpiece of the discussion was the introduction of a micro grocery store, aptly named "The Bazaar," designed to serve as a lifeline for residents in an area identified as a food desert.

The Bazaar, which operates on a membership basis, will offer free memberships to Dawson community members, while those from outside the area can join for a nominal fee. This innovative grocery store will be cashless, allowing transactions through bank cards, SNAP cards, or a preloaded Bazaar card, reminiscent of laundromat payment systems. The initiative, which began with inspiration from a trip to Indonesia in 2012, aims to connect local farmers with the community, providing healthy food options at nonprofit prices.

A significant aspect of The Bazaar's mission is its commitment to ensuring that no child in the Dawson neighborhood goes hungry. The store plans to provide one free meal per child for all 450 students enrolled in local schools, reinforcing the community's focus on nurturing its youth.

In addition to the grocery store, the meeting highlighted the Black Rock Creek project, a partnership with the Tulsa Housing Authority. This ambitious initiative aims to create biking and walking trails, a fishing pond, and other outdoor amenities, promoting a connection with nature and encouraging safe exercise for residents. The project has garnered overwhelming support from community members during town hall meetings, reflecting a shared vision for a healthier, more connected neighborhood.

As the meeting concluded, discussions also touched on infrastructure improvements along South Memorial Drive, where plans are underway to address storm inlet issues that have caused a bumpy ride for drivers. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to revitalize the area, coinciding with the construction of new housing developments.

With these initiatives, the future looks promising for the Dawson neighborhood, as community leaders strive to restore humanity and provide essential resources that foster a sense of belonging and ownership among residents. The commitment to healthy living and community engagement is set to be a game changer for this vibrant area of Tulsa.