Southeast Community Market and Health Center

For far too long, our city’s southeast neighborhood has lacked the resources it needs for thriving.  The US Department of Agriculture identifies SE Canton as a food desert where many residents do not have easy access to healthy and affordable food.  To address the needs in the neighborhood and utilize the assets of our Canton community, Canton for All People, the City of Canton, My Community Health Center, Stark Fresh, and community churches have collaborated to bring the “Southeast Market and Health Center” to the neighborhood.  

Beginning in December 2022, construction will begin at 1318 Gonder Ave. SE, a currently vacant, 11,000sq ft. space  that will house a federally funded health center and neighborhood grocery specializing in fresh and healthy foods.  The healthCenter will offer primary care and OBGYN support in a neighborhood that has the city’s largest infant mortality rate and no health services currently. Additionally, Crossroads UMC and Stark Fresh to create a non-profit run grocery store called the “SE Community Market” in the facility giving people additional options for food choices, hot meals, and the opportunity to purchase groceries in their own neighborhood.  The market will offer a wide selection of foods to be purchased or obtained at reduced or no cost.  This facility will be the first of its kind in the state of Ohio and is a new initiative at eliminating food deserts in under-resourced communities.