DAYTON — A long-awaited grocery store in west Dayton has finally had their ribbon cutting, but the store is only a part of the effort to promote health in the area.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As reported by Mike Campbell on News Center 7 at 5:30, Homefull is an Ohio nonprofit that is providing housing, services, advocacy and education across the state.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Coroner IDs man killed in Moraine double shooting
- Person rescued from Troy house fire dies
- Iconic 90s beachwear brands closing all locations; operator blames ‘fast fashion’
News Center 7 mapped out grocery stores in the area. Before Gettysburg Grocery was built, the nearest store was a seven minute drive away, and that store was small. The next closest, but with a wider variety, was a 16 minute drive away.
After five years of planning and two years of construction, Homefull’s corporate offices are in the community where they are focusing on healthy eating and health care, designed to boost the revitalization of west Dayton.
A doctor’s office is also located in Homefull’s facility. Dr Rachelle Dulan Hood, a Dayton native, will be practicing there.
“I teach my patients how to use diet, fresh fruits and vegetables to battle and overcome chronic disease,” Hood said. “One of the most heartbreaking parts of my job is when I told people to engage in this and they told me they didn’t have access to those foods.”
That’s why Hood is so excited to open her primary care offices inside Homefull’s building. There is a huge waiting room and patient rooms, and she can send people right next door to buy the food she recommends.
Homefull primarily works to end homelessness, but their shift to health and wellness is supported by the county and the city.
“Making sure we create the best conditions for someone to live, work, play, raise a family, be educated and grow old,” Mayor Jeff Mims said.
Homefull’s facility, which will also include a Zik’s Pharmacy, is designed to do just that.
“It’s not just a job to us,” Hood said. “We’re caring for our church members, our family, our friends and our loved ones.”
Homefull has moved their organization’s headquarters into the second floor of the building. Homefull was previously spread out in four different spaces, and now they feel they can serve their community best from this spot.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
