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Sherman Park Grocery Warns of Possible Closure Without Community Support

The Milwaukee shop serving a federally designated food desert says compounding losses have left its future in doubt.

Overview

  • Opened in July 2022 at Sherman Boulevard and Fond du Lac, the store was created to bring fresh produce to Sherman Park.
  • The owner reports a $90,000 hit from August flooding, with insurance covering only about a tenth of the claim.
  • A November government shutdown and pause in food assistance left the store largely empty, and about 80% of customers rely on SNAP.
  • Rising wholesale prices and theft have further strained thin margins, contributing to the threat of closure.
  • The grocer is asking for donors, volunteers, and professional support in operations, finance, legal compliance, marketing and planning, and neighbors warn the nearest full-service option is more than a mile away.