On the 9th of November Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver Public School (DPS) director Dr. Alex Marrero, and other partners with Goodr, Amazon and Aetna launched a school-based, no-cost grocery store concept that will help DPS pupils and their families battling food shortages. The concept will include two supermarkets at Place Bridge Academy and Colfax Elementary.
According to the press release, both stores will be run under the supervision of Goodr, a waste management company and a hunger relief organization which works to cut down on food waste and combat hunger. The year 2021 saw Goodr increased its food relief by launching the first school-based supermarket that is free to customers in Atlanta. After the visit of Mayor Hancock to the Atlanta store, the idea is being brought to Denver.
“These two stores for groceries provide a total of 4 establishments which Goodr was involved in opening and running and is among the achievements of which we’re the most satisfied,” said Jasmine Crowe-Houston as the founder and CEO of Goodr.
The grocery stores that are free are part of DPS the new, school-based Communities Hubs program. DPS has partnered with City of Denver and community partners to create hubs that aid in connecting families and the DPS community with local services.
“We all have a responsibility to be there for each child, as the justice we provide our kids means the future that is full of possibilities. We couldn’t be happier to collaborate with DPS to increase the number of services we offer to the students in our City,” Hancock said.
Other services that can be provided through the Community Hubs are case management, development of the workforce and adult financial literacy academic tutoring and much more.
There will be six Community Hub locations will be located at Place Bridge Academy, Colfax Elementary, Smith Elementary, Focus Points, John H. Amesse Elementary and Johnson Elementary.
“When the student is hungry when they go to school or falls asleep hungry and is not nourished, their ability to learn during the classroom is reduced,” Hancock said. “With these grocery stores, which are free and the ability to help families and students who might need some help to put enough food in the kitchen. I would like to express my gratitude to Goodr, Amazon and Aetna for their assistance in this work.”
After the final votes of Denver, Proposition 125 changed direction before passing narrowly and let Coloradans purchase a bottle of wine from the store.
Convenience stores and grocery stores that have the license to sell beer may begin selling wine beginning March 1. This is roughly 1,819 licensees by June 2021 according to the Department of Revenue. They’ll also be able provide wine and beer tastings.
“We’re happy that Coloradoans will soon be able purchase a bottle of wine at the time of shopping,” said Rick Reiter Director of the campaign to Wine in Grocery Stores. “Consumer behaviors are changing so it’s inevitable at the time of during this election or within the next few months, Colorado would be the 40th state with wine available in the grocery store.”
The measure lost just a fraction of a point throughout election night, and for the following two days. It was only when the “yes” votes were a tad higher in the third night.
After the vote was counted there was a stark contrast between urban and rural communities. Rural counties voted mostly for Proposition 125 while the Denver metro area as well as El Paso County were in favor.
La Plata County, in the southwest part in the State, voted against Proposition 125 by a clear majority of 57.3 percent of voters. Denver voters, however supported the measure almost the exact opposite margin majority, with 55% for.
The state-wide measure won with more than 28,000 voters. This is far from the margin that the recount process would begin. The vote split was 50.6 percent in favor, 49.4% against out of 2.43 million votes.
Jack Llewellyn, CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, advised members to think about Proposition 125 in terms of the impact local to the local stores of liquor. Owners and employees are usually the ones who know the best wine for any occasion. He worries that local businesses will close down.
“In cities you are presented with a myriad of options and options. It’s the convenience that’s the primary factor and not considering a small-scale company owner.” Llewellyn said. “Things that are made for the state of Colorado are made by the people who live located in Denver.”
