Circle Food Store

Circle Food Store has been serving the 7th ward and downtown community for over a century. The grocery, damaged during the storm, has not been able to muster the funds, political support, and momentum to stage a post-Katrina comeback. The 7th ward and much of downtown New Orleans lacks a supermarket which means residents can only find groceries at convenience stores or by traveling several miles by car. Often this leads to poor food choices which result in long term health problems for neighborhood residents. The owner of the store, Dwayne Boudreaux, and several other social activists are working to bring back Circle Food Stores - a project which incorporates local jobs, health education for the community, and support for local growers.

A return of Circle Food Store will give an economic boost to the neighborhood and will be a symbolic victory for another of the city’s recovering neighborhoods. The TCC is working with Mr. Boudreaux on a visioning document to help map out and make a case for the rebirth of the historic grocery. A team of Architecture students as well as Business students are involved in schematic design, structural analysis, pricing, and a business plan for the store. Students are also working with the Food and Farm Network and the Seveth Ward Neighborhood Center to address issues of food justice and education in the 7th ward community.