JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After years of living in a food desert, without access to fresh produce, residents living in Jacksonville’s Eastside now have a store right in their neighborhood where they can shop for fresh groceries, after the grand re-opening of The Corner at Debs Store.
Inside the store are rows of vegetables and freezers full of meat. Many residents remember shopping at the store as children and call it a blessing to see the store reopen.
“Probably started coming here around seven, eight, probably younger than that with my parents," R’Nee Martin, who lives in neighborhood, said.
Martin is a lifelong Eastside resident. When the Debs Store closed in 2011, she lost the ability to buy fresh groceries in her neighborhood. Now that the store has reopened, she’s buying meat and produce down the street from her home.
“It brings back a lot of memories," Martin said.
The Corner at Debs Store is not just a community market.
On the second floor, a Goodwill Career Center, which is no-cost, full-service career center that will provide adult education programs, employment services and job training. The GoodCareers Center is an extension of Goodwill’s mission programs, A-STEP and Take Stock in Children, which provide workforce development, certifications and college scholarships.
VyStar also has in the building a surcharge-free ATM center will offer financial counseling. VyStar representatives will assist members with access to online services, opening accounts and free financial counseling. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except holidays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Debs family, who opened the original store in 1921, hope the building becomes a HUB for the community.
“The Eastside deserved dignity, respect and love. It deserved a first class facility, nothing less than first class," Joe Debs, whose grandparents opened the original Debs Store said.
Neighbors say this store not only restores a historic a landmark but uplifts the community.
“This is a community that’s unlike any other, the people here at family, everyone almost knows each other, so it’s a great feeling to see," Martin said.
The Corner at Debs Store also includes a mini museum inside the building, to reflect on the history of the Eastside neighborhood.
The Corner at Debs Store is at 1478 Florida Ave., Jacksonville and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.