Groundbreaking for new central Topeka grocery store coming soon
TOPEKA (KSNT) - A local group looking to improve access to fresh produce and foods in central Topeka is due to hold a fundraiser later this month to support the construction of a new grocery store in the heart of the city.
The Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) is due to hold a Holiday Fine Arts Benefit fundraiser to support their mission on two dates this December at the CRC CARE Center located at 2303 Southwest College Avenue, according to a press release on Dec. 4. The organization will be using cash gathered at the fundraiser to support neighborhood revitalization, food security and grassroots community development in the central Topeka area.
"Enjoy a curated art show and auction featuring local and international artists as well as holiday hors d'oeuvres."
CTGO press release excerpt
27 News spoke to CTGO Executive Director Nadia Arbelo about her organization's mission and the plans for a new grocery store for locals. She recently joined CTGO as executive director on Nov. 1 this year after previously serving as interim regional director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Washburn University.
“I am honored to join CTGO and continue the critical work of addressing food insecurity while fostering community outreach and development,” Arbelo said.
Arbelo told 27 News the new grocery store will be taking shape behind the GraceMed Capitol Family Clinic in the area of Southwest 12th Street and Southwest Washburn Avenue. Groundbreaking for the new store is slated to begin in early 2025 depending on factors such as how much cash the organization can raise in the meantime through events like the Holiday Fine Arts Benefit.
Arbelo said GraceMed has leased the land behind its building in central Topeka for the construction of a new grocery store. This is to help patch the "food desert" that currently impacts local residents.
"That grocery store will cover nine major communities for central Topeka but its definitely open to greater Topeka and other areas. It's gonna be 14,000 square feet."
CTGO is currently in the planning phase for the new store and is partnering with other organizations to draw up the architectural designs of the building. The idea is to hold the groundbreaking in the first quarter of 2025 with no date provided yet for when it will be finished.
"In that community, that's low to moderate income Topekans from diverse racial backgrounds," Arbelo said. "People with no transportation even. We want to bring that back as a reflection of the neighborhood's resilience as a space that can foster health, belonging and opportunity."
People who are unable to attend the upcoming art benefit can give their support by clicking here to make donations to the CTGO. Fundraiser dates for the art benefit include:
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 13.
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14.
The CTGO also announced that some of its other leadership positions are now filled with fresh faces from the local community. These include Robert Riley as the new operations coordinator, Kristin Kreie as the new grocery industry project manager and Scott Nickel as the new community culinary educator.
Plans have been in motion for years to fill the food desert in central Topeka that was created in 2016 when a Dillons shut down in the area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts as areas of low-income communities without access to healthy and affordable food. People living in a food desert might be at higher risk of obesity, poor diet and other diet-related health problems.
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