“Community leaders can learn practical strategies to identify, mobilize, and develop opportunities that will establish a resilient food system and eliminate the current food desert.”
Memphis has long had a special place in Senchel Matthews’ heart.
She grew up in Miami, but her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were all born and raised in Memphis. While attending the University of Memphis, she got to know the community that was home to three generations of her family and its history.
Matthews moved back to the Bluff City after years of working in Houston to put her master's degree in city and regional planning to work. As President of the Southeast Regional Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC), with the support of J.W. Gibson, the CEO of Gibson Companies, they are leading an effort to redevelop South Memphis—which includes spearheading the agency’s plans to eliminate blight and expand local income through affordable and mixed-income housing development, small business growth, and job training programs.
Improved health for residents is a key objective of the overarching effort. SRDC plans to increase resident leaders and establish a cohort of producers who will have strong ties to South Memphis and new markets in the community. South Memphis residents and stakeholders will have access to an intensive six-month Community Capacity Building Training program, while SRDC also works to establish three micro-grocery stores in the area as part of its larger economic development efforts.
Organization
Southeast Regional Development Corporation, Memphis, TN
Area of Focus
Food deserts
Fellowship Project
Engage community members in an integrated plan to expand access to healthy food in South Memphis—where the closest grocery store is 2-5 miles away-- including developing micro-grocers.