Sherman Park Grocery Store at risk of closing just 3 years after opening

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local grocery store that serves one of the most underserved areas in the city of Milwaukee is at risk of closing.

Sherman Park Grocery Store serves one of the 13 food deserts in the city of Milwaukee. A food desert is defined as an area where people, typically low-income residents, have little to no access to fresh food. Outside of this grocery store, the nearest supermarket is more than a 20-minute walk.

“Pick 'n Save on Silver Spring closed down. Lots of the Walgreens are closed down,” said Quinlan Bishop, a customer.

In 2022, Maurice Wince opened Sherman Park Grocery Store with a dream – to bring healthy food to his community.

“Food is justice. You and I, we need food on our shelves, in our refrigerators, inside of our households,” said Wince. “Bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to a community that only had these two gas stations to shop at.”

Three and a half years later, the grocery store sits empty — hit with damage from major flooding.

“We faced $100,000+ worth of damages during that season. Closed for weeks,” said Wince.

Then came the temporary government shutdown and pause of SNAP benefits.

“When we started and opened our doors, we came in on the ending of COVID, when folks had double SNAP benefits. Those benefits were cut and that impacted our cash register, and more recently, the pause in SNAP benefits, that impacted our grocery store,” said Wince.

That's why Wince made a plea.

“I can’t do it alone,” said Wince.

It was a plea community members heard, with many doing what they can to keep this business alive.

“We need people to come out and support these small business ventures too, because if this place does close, then what are the options in this area?” said customer Shana Brown.

Wince is asking for help from state and local partners, as well as financial help from community members. Whether that’s a financial donation or donating services for marketing and rebranding, Wince says right now, all contributions are appreciated.

“Up until a certain dollar amount, I just want to be able to match the receipts of the patrons that come to shop here,” said Bishop.

Wince says it’s going to take time, but he hopes he’s able to continue bringing healthy options to his neighborhood.

“We’re not just a grocery store, and we’re not just in the community. We've become a part of the community in which we serve,” said Wince.