The Tulsa Women's Commission meeting held on May 2, 2025, focused on the introduction of a new community initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the Dawson neighborhood. The initiative centers around the establishment of a micro neighborhood grocery store, referred to as "the bazaar," which is designed to serve the local community with a sustainable and accessible food source.

The bazaar will operate on a membership basis, offering free memberships to residents of Dawson while allowing those from outside the community to purchase memberships for a nominal fee. Notably, the grocery store will be cashless, accepting payments through bank cards, SNAP cards, or a preloaded bazaar card, similar to systems used in laundromats.

A key aspect of the bazaar is its commitment to supporting local farmers in Oklahoma. The initiative aims to create a direct market for local produce, thereby fostering a connection between the community and local agricultural producers. This effort is rooted in a vision to ensure that children in the Dawson neighborhood do not go without food, with plans to provide one free meal per child for all 450 students enrolled in local K-12 schools.

The meeting highlighted that this project is currently in its first phase, which includes the grocery store and food trucks. Additionally, the bazaar is committed to environmental sustainability, operating entirely on solar energy, utilizing biodegradable packaging, and offering reusable cloth bags.

The initiative has also secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which will support its development and operational costs. The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of this project as a vital connection point for the community, aiming to enhance food access and promote local agriculture while reducing the carbon footprint.