From Grassroots to Grocery

Central Topeka Grocery Oasis Group (CTGO) has had our heads down and been hard at work this past year setting the stage for our next steps, and we’re excited to update you on all that we’ve accomplished!

The group started as a collaboration of neighborhood leaders painfully aware of the void left behind by the abandoned big-box grocery store in central Topeka. We brought our ideas and passions together to embark on a mission of community necessity, health, and justice—focused on the needs of our families and neighbors, as well as the critical role of food access in nurturing ourselves and achieving better health outcomes. 

Excitement and ideas are important, but to make them real requires hard work and collaboration with many hands. For the past several years, CTGO has had to focus inward as we’ve methodically taken on this challenge. We’ve acquired new skills, engaged in difficult discussions, and recruited members with experience in groceries, business, community development, and fundraising. Through these efforts, we’ve grown our organization into one that can accomplish the daily tasks required to make a central Topeka grocery store a reality.

We’ve also hired our first employees, including an experienced executive director who resides in Tennessee Town, right in the heart of central Topeka. While we still need assistance from those who have a background in starting grocery stores in other communities, it’s essential our project is led by members of the central Topeka community.

Central Topeka Grocery Oasis is well positioned with a generous long-term lease agreement with landowners GraceMed to build the grocery store in the empty corner lot at 12th St. and Washburn Ave. We have acquired services from industry group Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), who are deep with experience in helping consult, layout, and supply grocery stores. We’ve partnered with local architects at Schwerdt Design Group (SDG) to coordinate along with us and AWG on drawing up the plans for a store custom fit for Central Topeka. Our plans are based not only on the needs you’ve expressed to us through various surveys and feedback opportunities, but also our recent market study provided to us by industry experts. We’ve fostered support and developed relationships with other central Topeka community groups. We’ve been awarded various grants while proving the need and desire for central Topeka’s very own grocery oasis—one that will help impart a sense of pride and self-determination for our collection of neighborhoods.

Our new staff members have kicked off our capital campaign to raise the money needed to break ground, are in conversation to secure a grocer to operate the store, and are engaging with the community to keep you informed on the process. Not only will we be building a grocery store, we’ll be a vital community hub connecting and informing central Topeka. You’ll hear more directly from us and more often. You’ll hear from us through our involvement with Neighborhood Improvement Associations, community groups, and directly through our blog, newsletter, and social media. 

CTGO needs your help getting the word out. Share this blog post and spread the word about our latest progress. Let people know where they can donate. Join us for different community improvement projects like the upcoming Central Park Big Community Cleanup led by Omni Circle. Volunteer to lend a hand as a community ambassador, help out at events, share our posts, provide feedback, or canvas for flyer campaigns.

We wanted you to get caught up as we’ve been diligently working to get to a point where we can be more outwardly focused. You can expect a lot more communication and updates from us as we charge forward. Help spread the word…Central Topeka Grocery Oasis is on a mission, and we need your help!

Night View Rendering by SDG