Eastern Star Church, in the eastside Indianapolis neighborhood of Arlington Woods, is extending its mission to address the racial health, education, and wealth disparities of children and youth.
Bloomington, Indiana-based Cook Medical is investing $2.5 million to build a grocery store in the Indianapolis neighborhood where it is planning to open a new manufacturing facility. The company plans to let two local residents own and operate the store once it opens next year.
Indianapolis Entrepreneurs Prepare To Operate New Grocery Store Funded By Cook Medical
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Michael McFarland and Marckus Williams are packing up bags of chips, canned vegetables and diapers in their cars to deliver to a local homeless shelter.
The two guys are in their thirties and are childhood friends. We grew up together in the same neighborhood used to go to school together ride bikes, fix up cars, you know, just everyday friends, Williams said.
Living in the northeast side of Indianapolis, they have also seen the area change over time. As many as five grocery stores closed over the past few years, leaving thousands of residents struggling and feeling neglected.
Arlington Woods, a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Indianapolis, has seen big-box grocery chains close one after another over the past few
After big-box grocery chains left the Arlington Woods neighborhood in Indianapolis, residents were traveling at least five miles to get groceries. Medical device manufacturer COOK Medical is building a plant in the community and, after listening to residents, decided to add a grocery store to its plans. Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
toggle caption Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
After big-box grocery chains left the Arlington Woods neighborhood in Indianapolis, residents were traveling at least five miles to get groceries. Medical device manufacturer COOK Medical is building a plant in the community and, after listening to residents, decided to add a grocery store to its plans.