Greater Good(s) to open pay-what-you-can produce store
Greater Good(s) MKE is bringing a pay-what-you-can produce spot to Washington Heights, thanks to a retired flight attendant turned grocer.
Gina Nygro retired from a 32-year career with Delta Airlines in August, and it was the perfect time to give into what she felt like was God’s calling for her: To find a creative way to give back to her community.
“I took a class last year at my church, which was a mission-minded class, and the idea started rolling,” she said. “This is really a faith-driven thing, loving our neighbors well by providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Washington
Heights.”
Pay-what-you-can spaces are a huge benefit to communities, Nygro said.
“It brings dignity to the community, especially for people who cannot pay as much but want to pay something,” Nygro said. “The pay-what-you-can model brings people together.”
Greater Good(s) MKE is opening at 5205 W North Ave. in 600 square feet in front of the Cloud 9 workshop space.
“It’s kind of an experiment, but I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” said Gina Nygro. “We’ll start small and see how it goes.”
Tricklebee Café, a pay-what-you-can cafe at 4424 W. North Ave. operated by the Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons, was a
huge inspiration for Nygro.
“I’ve seen this model work in beautiful ways at Tricklebee Cafe through Christie and her entire staff,” Nygro said. “My hope is that it will work in the same way at a produce store.”
Nygro said multiple donors are involved to help fund produce at the store. Pete’s Fruit Market, with two locations in Milwaukee, will help supply the produce along with some urban farmers.
“I love Milwaukee. I think people basically just want to do the right thing and want to help their neighbor,” she said.
Nygro plans to open the store in early January. To start it will be open from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Email greatergoodsmke@gmail.com to connect with Nygro.
Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.