A lot of people like to think that Detroit doesn’t have any grocery stores, that all of this shopping has to be done in the suburbs. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this just isn’t true. There are a number of places to get groceries within the city. As proof, I offer you my front porch.

Grocey stores in Detroit. They do exist!

Every other week, my front porch is littered with grocery circulars. Folded every which way and held together with a rubber band, these paper ads let me know when it’s time to go shopping. The one I go to most is only a handful of blocks away, and that’s not even happenstance. All of them are within four miles of where I live. I’m finding that getting regular grocieries within the city is actually much easier* than the media portrays.

The other thing about grocery stores is that I’m fascinated by them. They are incredibly insightful and telling of the communities they serve. My favorite aisle to snoop about in within Detroit? The meat coolers. I used to think that “leftover” animal parts could only be found in Asian grocery stores**. Turns out, they’re also a common sight in stores throughout Detroit. For me, this cultural overlap is comforting. Even though I have no idea how to cook most of it, the mere appearance of these otherwise unusual cuts makes me feel more connected to my neighbors and community. It’s an odd thing, but it makes Detroit feel like home.

*Assuming, of course, that you have your own car or other means of reliable, affordable trasportation. Without access to trasportation, it’s nearly impossible to benefit from many of the services, businesses, and opportunities that the city provides. This, here, is the a real problem.

**Regular grocery stores are one thing. Asian grocery stores are another. I have yet to find a chinese grocery store within the city. I dread the day I run out of soy sauce and tea becase then I really will have to venture out into the suburbs for groceries.