The more than 1,700 residents of Cairo, Illinois, are served by a local grocery store for the first time in seven years, thanks to a collaboration that includes the University of Illinois System’s Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and University of Illinois Extension’s SNAP-Ed program.
The June 16 grand opening of Rise Community Market, a cooperatively owned store in the state’s southernmost city, honored the partnership of local leaders, shareholders, volunteers, granting organizations, Western Illinois University’s Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, IIN and SNAP-Ed.
Cairo and other communities that face food scarcity represent a national trend where decreasing population densities, income inequality and transportation challenges lead to low access to quality nutrition. University of Illinois System leaders visited Cairo last summer during the annual state tour to explore ways to support the port town’s revitalization work.
“So many in the community of Cairo have come to realize through this project that their strength and resolve are the keys to rebuilding their community,” said John Shadowens, an Extension community economic development educator. “Rise Community Market demonstrates that when, as engaged citizens, they decide to come together to meet a need, there is plenty of outside help and resources available to them.”
Rise Community Market was remodeled, outfitted and stocked through a partnership with Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone (SIDEZ), Kroger, Cairo Public Utilities, Clearwave Fiber, Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP), Winkler Foods and Tri-State Food Bank, along with dozens of local contractors and volunteers using over $700,000 in grants from the University of Illinois Foundation, R3, US Rural Development, Builder’s Initiative and other donations.
The market’s refurbished space also will house Cairo’s second full-time restaurant, the Rise and Shine Café.
Under the collaborative funding model, Rise “co-owners” contribute $100 for a lifetime membership to the market to provide fiscal stability and receive benefits. Ownership is not needed to shop, but owners receive additional discounts on some specials and have a voice in determining the direction of the store.
“Cairo is a model for entrepreneurship and collaboration that can be replicated elsewhere in the state,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said. “Access to healthy food is not just about groceries, it’s about justice.”
