It’s been three years in the making! Communities First, Inc. (CFI) reached its funding goal for Foodie Commons, which is located in Flint at the former Anthony’s Flower Shop and parking lot.
According to CFI President and CEO, Glenn Wilson, the funding allows for the transformation of the vacant flower shop and an abandoned lot on Grand Traverse and Court St. into a permanent food truck park and event space, complete with an outdoor performance stage, open green space and a community kitchen inside the renovated flower shop that will be available for use by food truck vendors. In addition to updating both spaces and giving them a new use, the project aims to engage the community at events in the public green space and increase access to healthy food and recreation opportunities.
On May 1, community members enjoyed delicious food from trucks including Bella’s Concessions & Catering, MexiCrunch, and Suggs SweetTreats & Eats.
To advance the Foodie Commons project, CFI received both state and federal funding. With the help of generous community donors, they raised $50,000 to receive a one-to-one matching grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Community Places Initiative, raising over $100,000 to go toward transforming the former flower shop into a community destination for all.
“It’s going to be beautiful. To see Genesee County become the home of the first permanent food truck park is pretty awesome!”
Glenn Wilson, President/CEO, Communities First, Inc.
“We would like to thank Michigan Senator John Cherry and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow for their partnership and commitment to our community with this investment in Foodie Commons,” Wilson states. “Their hard work will allow us enough money to finish the project. With their help, we will be able to create a gathering point in Downtown Flint, empowering businesses to grow their customer base and build up our community.” Wilson added that CFI is especially proud to grow access to small business opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.
Wilson expects the project will be completed by the end of the year. “This will be a staple in our community! “ he exclaims. “It’s going to be beautiful. It took a lot of time and partners to put this together. To see Genesee County become the home of the first permanent food truck park is pretty awesome.”
Currently, a variety of local food truck operators are serving up some great food in the parking lot of Foodie Commons @the Flower Shop, located at 402 W. Court St. (corner of Grand Traverse) on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11:30-5:30pm. So, come on out and enjoy some great food, music and fun!
Calling All Food Trucks!
Any business owners wanting to add their food trucks to the Foodie Commons schedule should contact Regena Hall-Littlejohn at rhall-littlejohn@communitiesfirstinc.org.
Days and times for Foodie Commons are subject to change based on weather and holidays. For all updated days, check the Communities First, Inc. Facebook page (facebook.com/communitiesfirstinc) or the Foodie Commons Facebook page (facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093667931697).
About Communities First, Inc. (CFI): Headquartered in Flint, CFI is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation serving over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. Find more info at communitiesfirstinc.org.
