The creation of a community-owned grocery store in Dayton, Ohio, has transformed access to fresh, healthy food in areas previously classified as food deserts. This innovative approach not only provides essential services but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents.
At the heart of this initiative is Gem City Market, a cooperative grocery store that opened its doors in 2021. The store’s development was driven by local residents who recognized the need for better food options in their neighborhood. Over six years, they rallied support from various stakeholders, including elected officials, foundations, and hospitals. Through grassroots efforts like open meetings, door-to-door outreach, and community events, the organizers managed to secure $7 million in funding. Of this, $5.5 million went into constructing an 8,000-square-foot facility, while the remaining $1.5 million covered initial operational costs.
Gem City Market operates under a unique model where 70% of ownership lies with workers and 30% with community members. This structure ensures that those who benefit most from the store have a say in its operations. The co-op’s mission emphasizes providing affordable, high-quality food in a clean and welcoming environment. Cleanliness, in particular, stands out as a priority, reflecting the community’s desire for a well-maintained space. For customers like Coco Cochran, the market offers more than just groceries; it represents a healthier lifestyle. After discovering Gem City Market, Cochran switched from fast-food lunches to nutritious meals from the store’s salad bar, significantly improving her diet.
Affordability remains a key focus for Gem City Market. Despite post-pandemic inflation challenges, the store employs a hybrid pricing strategy to cater to diverse income levels. Essential items are priced affordably, while specialty goods attract higher-income shoppers. Programs like Produce Perks and Produce Prescription further enhance accessibility, offering SNAP/EBT users dollar-for-dollar matches on produce purchases. These initiatives ensure that fresh, healthy food remains within reach for all community members.
Beyond groceries, Gem City Market serves as a hub for community activities. The store features a community room and teaching kitchen, hosting events ranging from yoga classes to nutrition workshops. One notable program, "Food Is My Medicine," developed by Dr. Rachelle Dulan Hood, combines educational videos with practical cooking demonstrations. Participants receive tools and ingredients to recreate featured recipes, fostering a culture of shared skills and knowledge.
The success of Gem City Market demonstrates the power of community-driven solutions in addressing food deserts. By prioritizing affordability, cleanliness, and community involvement, this cooperative has created a sustainable model that can inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. As other cities explore the possibility of replicating this success, the lessons from Dayton highlight the importance of balancing industry standards with local needs. A community movement, no matter how daunting at first, can lead to transformative change when everyone works together toward a common goal.
A voluntary recall has been issued for several brands of canned tuna distributed across 26 states and the District of Columbia due to potential botulism risks. The recall, announced by Tri-Union Seafoods, affects 13 products sold at major retailers including Costco, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Safeway, Harris Teeter, Walmart, and Publix. The faulty packaging could compromise the seal, posing a serious health hazard. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and return the affected products.
Tri-Union Seafoods, based in California, initiated this precautionary measure on February 7th after discovering that the "easy pull" packaging might be defective. This defect can lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that causes botulism—a severe form of food poisoning. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the company urges customers to discard or return any potentially affected cans immediately. The recalled products include various brands such as Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s.
The packaging issue could allow the seal to deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of contamination. Botulism is particularly dangerous because it can lead to paralysis and even death if left untreated. To ensure safety, consumers should not rely on the appearance or smell of the tuna; even if it seems fine, it should be discarded. Retailers are cooperating fully with the recall, offering refunds or retrieval kits for affected products.
For those who believe they may have purchased one of the recalled cans, it is crucial to act promptly. Returning the product to the store for a refund or contacting Tri-Union Seafoods for further instructions is recommended. Anyone who has consumed the affected tuna should seek immediate medical attention. While food recalls are becoming more frequent, this particular recall underscores the importance of maintaining strict quality control measures in the food industry.
Medford, Oregon-based Lithia & Driveway has marked a significant milestone in its financial history. The company reported an impressive 20% increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $9.2 billion compared to the same period last year. Additionally, it achieved its first profitable year for its financing operations, which includes Driveway Finance Corporation.
The company's strategic initiatives have driven robust growth. In the final quarter of 2024, Lithia & Driveway saw notable improvements across various segments. New retail units experienced a 7.4% increase on a same-store basis, while aftersales gross profit grew by 4.5%. The finance arm, Driveway Finance Corporation (DFC), scaled up its loan origination to $501 million, contributing to a portfolio of $3.9 billion in average managed receivables. Furthermore, the company repurchased 0.9% of its outstanding shares, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder value.
Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO, emphasized the importance of customer-centric strategies that enhance loyalty and unlock the platform's full potential. "Our focus on delivering exceptional experiences and accelerating the growth of our unique ecosystem positions us for sustainable performance and best-in-class returns," he stated. This approach underscores the company's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting a strong foundation for future growth.
The company’s achievements reflect its resilience and adaptability in a competitive market. With a record-breaking year in terms of revenue and profitability, Lithia & Driveway demonstrates its capability to navigate challenges while maintaining a forward-looking vision. The success of its omnichannel strategy, bolstered by a robust financial foundation, paves the way for continued expansion and innovation in the automotive industry. As the company continues to invest in its digital platforms and customer service enhancements, it remains committed to driving positive change and fostering long-term success.