MEMPHIS, Tenn — A growing delivery service is addressing food deserts in the Memphis area and helping the disabled and elderly communities. It’s called Bluff City Greens.
The service is called a “godsend” by South Memphis customer. She’s one of many clients who are unable to get to the store themselves.
“They’re just like family," said Elizabeth Gigger. "I look forward to seeing them every week.”
Gigger has been using Bluff City Greens for the past two months. She says the company is a huge help since she uses a walker, making grocery runs tiresome.
“The ladies are a great help," said Gigger. "They go out. I make my shopping list. They do the shopping, they bring the groceries right to my door.”
It’s a simple concept but more personal and accessible than larger companies says co-founder Marie Steele.
“We’re all familiar with the larger grocery delivery services," said Steele. "But there’s not quite one that does exactly what we do and make it easy to order groceries regardless of your access to the internet.”
Steele said the service addresses food insecurity and increases access to fresh groceries for all Memphians. She adds those susceptible to COVID-19 use the service as well.
“Our primary customers are anyone from the elderly to immunocompromised, people with mobility constraints who find it challenging to get transportation,” said Steele.
The company also has expansion plans to other parts of Memphis.
“We really want to get our foot within the downtown area and South Memphis and expand to midtown, the suburbs," shared Steele. "We’ll probably try to hit North Memphis this year as well.”
So far the business is making an impression.
“It’s a relationship and they’ll say ‘anything else you need?’ so I feel so comfortable," shared Gigger. "They’re like my girls."
Bluff City Greens is now serving South Memphis, downtown, and Mud Island. They plan to expand to midtown next year. The business is also planning to provide pickup lockers by the end of 2020, where people can get their groceries from a climate controlled locker.