Pogue’s Run Grocer is unlike any grocery store in Indianapolis. Sure, shoppers can buy items such as milk, bread and meat; however, this Near Eastside market has become much more than the obvious.
As part of the Super Bowl Legacy Project, a complete Near Eastside revitalization effort, Pogue’s Run has helped uplift and restore pride in the neighborhood.
On any day of the week, you can find shoppers dashing into Pogue’s Run Grocer to pick up a few staples such as juice, baby food or frozen peas, or others scouring the shelves searching for uncommon items such as edamame, Kamut and amaranth.
Those who want a bite to eat can stop by the deli counter and purchase a corned beef sandwich, sit at a café table and look out of large windows at passersby on 10th Street and Rural.
“They have a really good bulk section,” said Delana Ivey as she scooped fresh spirulina powder into a small bag. “Before Pogue’s Run, you would have to go all the way to Whole Foods on 86th Street or to Georgetown Market on the Westside. I just come right over the tracks.”
Prior to Pogue’s Run Grocer opening, many residents shopped at Kroger near Woodruff Place, which closed. Chris Barnett, president and board chair of Pogue’s Run Grocer Board of Directors said when that happened, the area, which can be considered underserved, became a food desert void of any healthy or fresh food.
Members of the community and investors began working on a quality of life plan for the Near Eastside that included a new grocery store. They didn’t want a typical chain store and decided to open a community owned, or co-op, store that sold local, natural and organic foods at competitive prices. Traditional foods and products are available, but are higher quality.
“You can’t eat healthy if you can’t buy fresh food,” said Barnett. “Pogue’s Run is where urban meets rural.”
Pogue’s Run Grocer boasts to be the only local community-owned grocery store.
To become a member of the co-op, shoppers must pay a one-time fee of $125 plus $25 per adult shopper. Membership can be paid in installments and is available to anyone, not just neighborhood residents.
The membership comes with perks such as discounts, voting rights and special order requests. Scholarships are also available through the John H. Bonner Center for those who are truly unable to pay the membership fee.
However, you do not have to be a member to shop at Pogue’s Run.
Barnett said that for four years, organizers perfected the concept of the store and collected grants for funding. They also renovated an abandoned building at 2828 E. 10th St. and purchased used shelves.
“When they began, experts said they needed $1 million – they did it for about $700,000 and that included food on the shelves,” said Barnett.
Being a part of the Super Bowl Legacy Project helped get the store’s doors open sooner than without the extra efforts.
Those efforts have been a success because Pogue’s Run Grocer recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Today, Pogue’s Run has more than 500 member-owners.
Renee Sweany, marketing coordinator for the store, said that while Pogue’s Run serves an urban neighborhood, various demographics shop there.
“This is in an area that you might least expect to find a natural food store, but it’s been really cool to be here and be embraced by the community,” said Sweany.
Pogue’s Run Grocer accepts EBT. The store also provides jobs for local residents – in fact, the majority of its employees can walk or bike to work.
Carla James works at Financial Health Federal Credit Union, which is located across the street from Pogue’s Run Grocer. She shops there often and enjoys the store’s convenience, affordability and likes supporting the co-op movement. She’s also seen a change in the neighborhood since the store opened.
“You see a lot more people involved in positive things in the neighborhood. Pogue’s Run Grocer just adds an additional service to the area,” said James.
For more information, call (317) 426-4963 or visit poguesrungrocer.org.
