Kandies Mini Mart Brings Fresh Food Access to Dexter-Linwood with Green Grocer Program Grant

February 22, 2026

The Dexter-Linwood neighborhood in Detroit recently celebrated the opening of Kandies Mini Mart, a new grocery section within an existing sandwich shop, marking the first location to launch under the relaunched Green Grocer Program after a seven-year pause. Owner Jacquisha Blackwell received a $25,000 grant from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation to expand her business and provide walkable access to fresh produce, dairy, and essential items in a neighborhood previously classified as a food desert. The Green Grocer Program, which originally ran from 2010 to 2017 and generated over $50 million in investments across 40 businesses, was revived in 2024 through efforts by City Council President Pro Tempore Coleman A.

Who is affected

Residents of Detroit's Dexter-Linwood neighborhood who previously lacked walkable grocery access
Jacquisha Blackwell, owner of Kandies sandwich shop and the new Mini Mart
Seven staff members employed at Kandies, most of whom are local young people
Detroit youth participating in job training through Grow Detroit's Young Talent and Legacy Youth Travel partnerships
Over 40 grocery businesses and 115 employees supported during the program's first phase (2010-2017)
Future food businesses expected to utilize the Green Grocer Program
Families using EBT and WIC benefits who can now shop at Kandies Mini Mart

What action is being taken

Kandies Mini Mart is operating as a grocery section offering fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and essential items
The store is accepting EBT and WIC benefits for payment
Blackwell is consulting with customers to learn their needs and affordability constraints to shape product offerings
Kandies is employing seven local staff members and providing job training and mentorship
The DEGC is managing the Green Grocer Program in partnership with the City of Detroit
The program is continuing to operate and support neighborhood-scale grocery stores

Why it matters

This initiative addresses critical food access inequalities in Detroit's underserved neighborhoods, where residents have been forced to rely on fast food or convenience stores due to the absence of walkable grocery options. The Green Grocer Program represents a community-centered approach to economic development that simultaneously tackles food insecurity, creates local employment opportunities for youth, and supports small business ownership within the communities being served. The program's revival demonstrates Detroit's commitment to ensuring every neighborhood has access to fresh, affordable, nutritious food while building economic opportunity from within, rather than waiting for large corporate grocery chains to invest in these areas.

What's next

Additional food businesses are expected to take advantage of the Green Grocer Program's support to increase healthy food access in Detroit's underserved neighborhoods. The program will continue playing a role in strengthening the city's grocery sector and reinforcing neighborhood-scale grocery stores as community assets. Interested businesses can visit the DEGC website at degc.org/greengrocer for more information about the program and small business resources.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle