Maurice and Yashica Spears Wince are bringing healthy food options to a food desert in Milwaukee, WI, Black Business reports.

Combining years of experience, the founders have partnered to open Sherman Park Grocery, the first Black-owned, full-scale grocery store in the state of Wisconsin, per Milwaukee Community Journal. It had the support of the Embassy Center MKE church and other community leaders.

“Yashica worked in management at Walgreen’s, and I managed pizza franchises in Menomonee Falls,” Maurice explained to the outlet. “Our business acumen comes from those experiences. In addition, we have other real estate holdings, including a laundromat on the same block as the grocery store.”

Having been raised in Milwaukee Public Schools and experienced the effects of food and home insecurities, the couple saw a need in the community for the grocery store. Spurred by that motivation, Sherman Park Grocery was established in Milwaukee, WI, with a focus on community, offering affordable, high-quality fresh foods and educating families on preparing healthy meals at home, its website mentions. 

In doing so they hope to help people address several chronic health issues seen commonly in the local area.

“Diabetes and hypertension are just some of the health concerns in our community,” Yashica explained to Milwaukee Community Journal. “Providing fresh vegetables and fruits helps address those issues. We were taught that you only have one temple and you have to take care of it. Eating healthy and exercising helps you do that.”

The Winces are also empowering the entrepreneurs in their community through an established partnership with incubator UpStart Kitchen, located next door. The intention is for culinary artists in the program to have their products sold at the grocery store, and nine businesses have already achieved this. In exchange they purchase goods from the store and also wash their clothes at the Wince’s landromat located nearby.

“We must grow and grow together. This does not work unless we grow together,” Maurice expressed to Milwaukee Community Journal.