A new “micro grocery store” concept that will provide healthy, affordable food and other items to Tulsans in an underserved part of the community broke ground last week.
The BAZAR store, a project of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, will be located at 5247 E. Pine St. in the Dawson neighborhood of north Tulsa.
Funding for the project includes $220,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the city of Tulsa.
Aliye Shimi, TMM executive director, said the organization developed the BAZAR concept and is partnering with Tulsa City Council District 3 to bring it to life as a pilot project.
“Food insecurity is a major problem that affects so many Tulsans for a number of reasons,” Shimi said, adding that it’s hoped the project can improve access to food in a part of town that’s a known food desert.
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She said partnerships with local food providers will be key to keeping the store stocked with groceries and providing daily meals to area children.
“Our goal is to provide as many locally sourced products in the store as possible. We want to ensure more business for our Oklahoma producers while providing wholesome nutrition for our community members,” Shimi said.
Food partners include nonprofit Food On The Move, which will supply produce, and Desi Wok restaurant, which will provide hot meals for busy families.
Plans also call for partnering with local food trucks to provide free meals for students at nearby Hamilton Elementary and MET Junior High and High School.
In addition to food access, organizers want the property to serve as a community gathering space, with programming and additional resources offered.
“This is a much-needed resource in District 3, and I look forward to seeing all the good to come from this space as we move forward,” District 3 City Councilor Crista Patrick said.
“BAZAR is not only an innovative, community-focused way to provide increased access to fresh produce, meats, and other farm-to-table grocery items, but Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry will activate partnerships to address food insecurity, provide resources and cultivate a space for community to gather.”
The store will be membership-based and will rely on self-service technology instead of cashiers.
Customers will be able to use credit or debit cards, SNAP benefit cards and/or prepaid BAZAR cash cards.
BAZAR’s vending system will account for inventory shifts and automatically deduct or credit user accounts as they make purchases, officials said.
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