Market on the Green, Promedica vs. Food Desert

Jan 8, 2016 | Stakeholder Health Stories | 0 comments

Healthy living takes root in UpTown Toledo at Market on the Green at ProMedica Ebeid Institute

In December 2014, ProMedica planted the seeds for an innovative center to address the social determinants of health in Toledo, Ohio. Nearly one year later, ProMedica joined with civic leaders to celebrate healthy living taking root with the opening of Market on the Green at the ProMedica Ebeid Institute. ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

The ProMedica Ebeid Institute was established thanks to a $1.5 million gift from Michigan native and philanthropist Russell Ebeid. It is located in Toledo’s UpTown community, which has been labeled a food desert. With the opening of the Ebeid Institute, area residents now have access to a full-service grocery market. Market on the Green offers fresh meat, produce, dairy products, locally baked good, frozen foods and other personal necessities, such as toiletries. Many products offered at the market are locally sourced, including produce from Sam Okun, meats and cheeses from Walnut Creek and coffee from Flying Rhino.

Philanthropist Russ Ebeid admits he didn’t know much about the existence of “food deserts” in Toledo, but after some research, he felt compelled to make a difference. That’s why he donated $1.5 million to ProMedica to establish the ProMedica Ebeid Institute for Population Health. The Institute, to be completed in 2016, will bring a healthy food market to Uptown Toledo, currently classified as a “food desert” due to its lack of ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food. The site will also house services from community organizations, such as dental services, financial literacy programs and even job training.

Watch the video to learn more about this holistic approach to provide a “hand up” to those who need it in Toledo.

The vi market on the green promedica 3 sion of Ebeid Institute is to create a community hub “where healthy living takes root.” In addition to the grocery market, a second floor to be completed in 2016 will include kitchen space for cooking and nutrition classes. Additional space will eventually be used for programs including financial literacy, health screenings, job training, and other educational workshops.