Dayton’s first cooperative grocery store opened its doors on May 12th, bringing fresh food and new investment to lower Salem Avenue, an area where both have long been scarce. "We built this moment together," Sellassie said. "The community’s fingerprint is in throughout (the market)."
Gem City Market is a community grocery co-op, serving an area formerly known as a food desert. The co-op not only brings fresh food to the area, but community-building amenities, such as a community kitchen, a Five Rivers Health Centers walk-in clinic, a community room for events, and a coffeehouse. Gem City is the result of an over 6-year push from community members to bring accessible food and nutrition programs to the area. They offer various membership options, accommodating all income levels.