In the heart of San Francisco’s historically Black Bayview neighborhood, something remarkable has happened. A pioneering free food market, the , has opened its doors, heralding a significant shift in how the city addresses food insecurity.
When Nancy Gonzalez, a 25-year-old mother, arrived at the market, her situation was dire. With her infant daughter in a stroller and her sister-in-law and niece in tow, Gonzalez collected necessities: milk, eggs, bread, and fresh produce. “Right now, I’m out of food stamps and WIC,” she said. “Without this, some of us won’t make it.”
The Bayview neighborhood is marked by its rich history. During World War II, it was a bustling economic center, thanks to a nearby naval shipyard. However, the closure of the shipyard led to economic decline, worsened by discriminatory housing and hiring policies. Today, about 20% of Bayview residents live below the poverty line, with children making up a third of that population.
Inspired by similar initiatives in Nashville and Santa Barbara, city and community leaders aimed to transform an old Italian grocery store. They repaired the infrastructure and brightened the 4,000 sq ft space. The result is a welcoming environment, complete with white hexagonal penny-tile floors and fresh coats of paint.
Johan Ruiz, an associate at the market, recalls his childhood in Nicaragua, where he helped his grandmother feed the unhoused. “When you see homeless, don’t deny nothing, because from the sky that blessing’s coming,” she used to tell him. Ruiz’s experience highlights the essence of the market: dignity and self-respect for all.
Jessica P., a 58-year-old shopper, likened the market to heaven. “A lot of free stuff, they give you some BS that you don’t want… This is totally different. It’s enjoyable,” she said.
Maggie Shugerman, the market’s director, makes sure the food choices serve their clients’ needs. From cornbread mix to canned soups, the options cater to those with limited kitchen facilities. “We want to keep people healthy, but these are working families,” she said. The market’s approach is simple but revolutionary: it’s funded by the city, and it allows clients to choose their groceries — reducing waste and enhancing dignity.
Adelina Contreras, a single parent, felt the market’s timing was perfect. “I already did the groceries for the month. And now here we are, mid-month, and things are really running low,” she said. Shoppers like Contreras appreciate the fresh produce and meat selections the most.
The D10 Community Market sources produce from a socially conscious farm in Watsonville. This partnership ensures that surplus produce, which would otherwise go to waste, finds its way to the market, much to the delight of its 500 clients.
As the market ramps up, it plans to serve 1,500 people. Clients, who must live in the nearby zip code and receive public assistance, get a membership card. The market employs signs in multiple languages and engages referral partners to cater to its diverse clientele’s needs.
This market is part of San Francisco’s broader investment in Bayview-Hunters Point. Recent developments include a community center, waterfront renovations, and a resurgence of Black-owned businesses. “We are still the last place where we have a good concentration of Black people,” said Shamann Walton, the district supervisor. Despite the challenges, Bayview maintains its spirit and sense of community.
The D10 Community Market stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in Bayview, offering more than just food — it provides dignity, choice, and a sense of community for all those who walk through its doors.
Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/20/bayview-san-francisco-free-food-market
NEWS/POLITICS, Social Justice, Community Initiatives
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