CINCINNATI — Gaining access to fresh vegetables and other food has been an issue for residents in Lower Price Hill for many years. But thanks to the newly-opened Meiser’s Fresh Grocery and Deli, residents are able to get the items they need at an affordable price. 

For a month now, Lower Price Hill resident and activist Marisha Davis has been shopping at Meiser's. It’s only a couple of blocks from her house, so she no longer has to pay for transportation to shop elsewhere. 

“It helps the community with all they need so we don’t have to spend $4 going up the street,” said Davis. 

The grocery store not only has fresh vegetables to buy, but also a section of produce that's free. Office supplies, a frozen foods section and toiletries are just some of the other options.

Davis was one of several community leaders who led the project to get Meiser’s, a grocery and nonprofit, reopened after it closed in 2017. She said it’s all about making the items affordable for residents. Davis also said the items are affordable. 

Not only is Davis a regular customer at Meiser’s, but she’s also the deli chef. She knows all her customers by name and even their orders. She takes a lot of pride in making sure she gives the best customer service she can. 

“As long as you come in and need a sandwich, you’re my 100% customer,” she said. “I’m going to treat you with 100%. I don’t move over to the next customer until I am at least finished with you.”

The Center for Health Affairs estimates that nearly one in five Ohioans lives in a food desert. Davis hopes that this market can help cut into that number and be an oasis full of fresh produce and food for the community for years to come. And that's why Davis is spreading the word about the place she fought to bring back.

“We need our community to let us know what we’re missing. We’re praying on this, and we can work with the price,” she said. 

For more information about Meiser's tap here.