Work is underway on a new micro grocery store designed to provide healthy, affordable food and other items to Tulsans, The Tulsa World reports. Dubbed the BAZAR store, it’s a project of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (a community group) that will be located 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. The store design features floor-to-ceiling windows on the front and solar panels for power on the roof.
“Food insecurity is a major problem that affects so many Tulsans for a number of reasons,” Shimi told The World, adding that it’s hoped the project can improve access to food in a part of town that’s a known food desert.
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 several nearby schools.
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.
An opening date for the store has not yet been announced.