Restore OKC's Market at Eastpoint to open soon thanks to Inasmuch Foundation grant

Restore OKC is a relationship-based nonprofit serving the physical, social-emotional, educational & economic needs of residents in Northeast OKC. One of the greatest needs many Northeast OKC residents have expressed historically is access to affordable, fresh groceries. Thanks to generous donors and supporters, including Inasmuch Foundation, the Market at Eastpoint on Northeast 23rd Street will soon be a reality. Not only will it offer fresh produce and meat options, but many of the items will be grown at the Restore OKC Farm located within a few miles of the Market.

"We are always looking for nonprofit organizations who are committed to Oklahoma City, embedded within the community, and providing evidence-based programming to solve long-term issues," said Sarah Roberts, Senior Program Officer of Inasmuch Foundation. Learning about organizations doing this type of intentional community-focused work happens in various ways. "Just a couple years ago, we knew nothing about Restore OKC," said Robert J. Ross, Chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. "It took a couple of unsuccessful grant applications and an introduction from my sister, Becky Ross Roten, before we fully understood the impact they have within Northeast Oklahoma City," said Ross.

Video credit: Templin Hammack of Hummingbird Aerials and Motion

The team at Restore OKC has worked hard from the start to establish a relational culture that stands out through its unique approach: empowering middle school and high school interns at Restore OKC to determine the strategic location of the market in the neighborhood, and selling goods grown in the community to be purchased directly by local residents. The 7,000-square-foot Market is located east of the Oklahoma State Capitol on NE 23rd Street between Kelham and Rhode Island Streets. Along with being an accessible food resource on NE 23rd Street, it will positively impact health outcomes and decrease food insecurity.

"We were thrilled when Inasmuch Foundation was willing to provide an operating grant to support Restore OKC. Sustainability is something we talk about all the time at Restore OKC, and we believe this Market will be launched in a way that will allow it to become self-sustaining and income generating," said Caylee Dodson, Executive Director of Restore OKC.

"I know Inasmuch Foundation's founder, Edith Kinney Gaylord, would be so pleased that we made this $1 million grant to Restore OKC for the Market at Easpoint. She was dedicated to the most disadvantaged families and children. I cannot think of a better organization to support than Restore OKC" said Ross. The operational support provided by the Inasmuch Foundation grant will assist in creating a self-sustaining business model that will have positive impacts on our entire community for years to come.

To learn more about Inasmuch Foundation and our recent $7.7 million dollars of funding, visit our website.