Dawson community launches Micro Neighborhood grocery with free meals for local children

In the heart of the Dawson community, a new initiative is blossoming that promises to transform access to healthy food. The Micro Neighborhood Grocery, a membership-based grocery store, is set to open its doors, aiming to serve as a vital resource in an area often labeled a food desert.

This innovative grocery store, which began its journey in February 2012, is designed with a small footprint to cater specifically to the needs of smaller communities. Residents of Dawson will enjoy free membership, while those from surrounding areas can join for a nominal fee. Notably, the store will operate on a cashless system, allowing transactions through bank cards, SNAP benefits, or a preloaded store card, similar to systems used in laundromats.

The vision behind the Micro Neighborhood Grocery extends beyond just providing food. It seeks to forge connections with local Oklahoma farmers, creating a marketplace that benefits both producers and the community. The initiative is driven by a commitment to ensure that children in the Dawson neighborhood do not go hungry, with plans to provide one free meal per child for all 450 students in local K-12 schools.

As the project unfolds, it is currently in its first phase, which includes the grocery store and food trucks. A strong emphasis on sustainability is evident, with the store powered entirely by solar energy and utilizing biodegradable packaging and reusable cloth bags. The initiative has also secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), further solidifying its foundation.

This grocery store is not just about food; it represents a much-needed connection point for the community, aiming to foster a healthier, more sustainable future for Dawson and its residents. As the Micro Neighborhood Grocery prepares to launch, it stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the ongoing fight against food insecurity.