Along 8 Mile Road in Warren, the next evolution in supplemental food services has arrived: Fresh! by Gleaners. The Summer 2025* launch of this innovative market reimagines a food assistance model improving access to free fresh produce, milk, and eggs—essential items that are costly for families managing tight budgets.
Fresh! by Gleaners is designed to look, feel and operate like retail-grocery, empowering families with three convenient ways to access nutritious food: in-market, curbside pick-up or refrigerated locker pick-up.
“These three shopping models are designed so guests can access the foods they need most, when they need them, in amounts they choose,” said Julie Beamer, chief operating officer of Gleaners. “With evening, Saturday, or after work hours options, families will have the flexibility they need to get fresh foods more frequently.”
But Fresh! is about more than just food. It’s about creating experiences where guests feel valued, supported, and part of a community.
The Fresh! Guest Experience…
- In-Market: Optimism thrives with a bright, cheerful ambiance filled with a variety of fresh produce, chilled milk, upbeat music and warm smiles. Guests browse the displays, no appointment necessary, choosing what they need to nourish their families—whether it’s a single banana or a whole bunch. Volunteers are ready to help, answering questions and sharing moments of connection.
- At curbside: A family on their way home from school arrives to pick up the order they easily placed online earlier that day. A volunteer carefully loads their trunk with food and peace of mind for tomorrow morning’s breakfast.
- Locker pick-up: Late in the evening, a man who worked a double shift gets his milk and eggs from the secure, refrigerated locker he reserved online. He’s thankful the locker is available at a time when other food assistance providers are closed.
A Vision for Community Impact
Fresh! by Gleaners is the culmination of five years of research and community feedback. “We’ve engaged with guests, partners, community leaders and donors to shape this model,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners. “Every decision, from the location to the layout to the shopping options, was guided by what people told us they need most.”
More than an opportunity to transform how families access nutritious food, Fresh! will embody the outcomes of learning, collaboration, and a commitment to building stronger communities.
Judith McNeeley | Vice President of Community Engagement
The location, positioned along the border of Macomb and Wayne counties, was carefully selected as an opportunity to help an area of high need, where gaps exist in the food access network. Nearly 30% of residents, and more than 44% of children, within three miles of Fresh! are or are at risk of experiencing food insecurity.
As a launch and learn pilot, Fresh! will begin by serving residents closest to the facility, budgeted for 5,000 households each month. At this volume of support, Fresh! will be the single largest distribution center for the supplemental food network in Southeast Michigan, with room to grow as resources and needs evolve.
“More than an opportunity to transform how families access nutritious food, Fresh! will embody the outcomes of learning, collaboration, and a commitment to building stronger communities,” said Judith McNeeley, vice president of community engagement. “We want every guest to feel empowered when they walk through our doors—knowing this is a place created just for them.”
*When this story was originally published in Harvest, the expected opening date was Spring 2025. This story has been updated to reflect the new expected opening date of Summer 2025.
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