Sterling Fresh Foods & Urban Design

Noted actor Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme, much more) has co-founded a company called Sterling Fresh Foods in New Orleans. Their mission is great - to try and bring fresh, quality food to food deserts. From their site:

We offer a full range of supermarket products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, seafood, and deli goods. Our bakery will feature the tasty treats of the re-known baker and actor, Dwight Henry. Our name brand packaged goods include value-priced specials. Our Pharmacy, H&W Drug Store, will help meet your families' prescription medication needs. And customers who spend $50.00 or more have access to our Shuttle Service for a ride home.

Seems like a great opportunity to marry up good community service with good community design. Who in NOLA is talking with them? New Urbanists, here's another chance to reach out and spread the message. I'm sure there are better approaches than the typical retail strip store, including pop-up stores, mobile food grocers, car/bike/ride sharing for customers and more.

It's a good chance to be creative and reach out. The idea and business is desperately needed in so many places.