Lemme start this off by saying this: Noam and Val, my bosses, are amazing. I’m so fortunate to have been placed with them at Fresh Corner Cafe and be working in the Green Garage with some of the most ambitious and passionate Detroiters. Seriously, I am so grateful for this opportunity. After going around town with Noam as he did his chores, I realized how he may know every single person in this city involved in food; every passerby knew Noam by name, it seemed.
Fresh Corner’s mission is to provide healthy and affordable food options to those living in areas with little access to proper grocery stores. I would define these as food deserts, but the man who led the Tuesday seminar pointed out how this term is rather shortsighted. Fresh Corner does this by hosting pop up sales at various community centers, charter schools, and hospitals throughout the city. Originally, they sold their food options in gas stations, though they’re transitioning away from this. They operate from the Green Garage here in Midtown, an office space that’ll probably never be beat in amenities and quality in my life. The two pop up managers I met are awesome guys whom I look forward to working with, as well. By week two, I’m already feeling acclimated in this new working environment. Detroit, however, still feels like new territory. I’m not used to things being so far away, requiring a car; Ann Arbor is so walkable, and I have a car in my hometown. I think I’m planning on bringing a bike as a good compromise.
My research project is to use a survey Brett, my co-working intern, and I created and to interview the customers and assess what Fresh Corner needs to do to improve food access. We will likely split up in the day and then reunite to work with our data and create reports and such. To ease the tedium, Val has given us fun tasks and engaged with us so the work is more fun. Also, the work itself is rewarding; there will be a tangible outcome by week 10. I honestly cannot wait for these next weeks at the Green Garage with Fresh Corner. Also, a man told me that Noam is going to be a millionaire…and I don’t doubt it. The guy knows what he’s doing AND does it well.
