CLARKSDALE – J’s Grocery opened its doors in Clarksdale on May 2, marking a turning point for a community lacking access to fresh produce. Located in the Eastgate neighborhood, a historically underserved area, the store brings not only convenience but also a vital resource for those facing food insecurity.
Tyler Yarbrough, director of Mississippi Delta Programs at the Partnership for a Healthier America, poses for a portrait outside East Gate Gardens, the Clarksdale neighborhood where he grew up, Friday, May 2, 2025. The neighborhood is located less than half a mile from the newly opened J’s Grocery. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayTyler Yarbrough, a local advocate and director of Mississippi Delta programs at Partnership for a Healthier America, has deep personal ties to the neighborhood. He grew up just a few blocks away in Eastgate, where he witnessed firsthand the struggles families faced in accessing fresh food.
“I grew up in this neighborhood, and it was difficult to find healthy food options,” Yarbrough said. “I’m proud to be part of this effort to bring a neighborhood corner store back to life, where residents can walk a few steps and find fresh produce.”
Before the opening of J’s Grocery, many neighborhood stores had closed, and those still open primarily offered shelf-stable snacks. Yarbrough, along with partners, have worked to revitalize this corner of Clarksdale by reconnecting the community with local farmers and providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
“This isn’t just about food; it’s about connecting people to their roots and building a healthier future,” Yarbrough said.
The sign for J’s Grocery is displayed in Clarksdale, Miss., on Friday, May 2, 2025. The 27-year-old, family-owned store serves as a cornerstone of the Brickyard neighborhood, providing access to fresh produce and fostering community connections. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Jones family has served the Clarksdale community for over 27 years by providing essential groceries and community services, including a laundromat and barber shop. After J’s Grocery closed for several years, the family took the lead in its recent reopening, working closely with local advocates and organizations — such as Yarbrough’s Partnership for a Healthier America and the nonprofit Rootswell — to renovate the space and refocus the store on fresh, healthy food options. This collaboration reflects their commitment to continuing the family’s legacy of service while addressing food insecurity in the neighborhood.
“We want to give the community a better way to eat,” said Alshun Jones, the son of store owner Al Jones. “It’s about supporting the neighborhood and providing healthy options that have been missing for so long.”
Store owner Al Jones, center, cuts the ribbon during the grand reopening of J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., on Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayStore owner Al Jones expressed his gratitude for the support and partnerships that made the store’s opening possible. “This is just the beginning,” Al said. “We want to see more stores like this across the city, helping communities thrive.”
The store’s reopening also signals the beginning of a larger community revitalization effort, which includes plans for murals and safer sidewalks to connect the store to the nearby schools and residences.
With its focus on fresh food, community involvement, and local partnerships, J’s Grocery is more than just a store — it’s a beacon of hope for the Eastgate neighborhood, offering a fresh start for residents and a model for revitalizing food access in rural communities.
Tyler Yarbrough, director of Mississippi Delta Programs at Partnership for a Healthier America, speaks during the grand opening ceremony of J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy speaks during the grand opening ceremony of J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Community members, children, and their parents bow their heads in prayer during the grand opening ceremony of J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Locals buy produce and other items at J’s Grocery before its grand opening in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Alshun Jones helps a customer at J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Vibrantly red tomatoes are neatly arranged at J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. The store’s fresh produce section features a variety of locally grown vegetables for the community. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Fresh fruits and vegetables are displayed during the grand opening of J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. The store offers a variety of locally sourced produce, providing the community with access to healthy and fresh options. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Frozen food items are stocked at J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. The store offers a wide selection of frozen meals and products, providing convenience for the community. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Al Jones, owner of J’s Grocery, embraces Tyler Yarbrough, director of Mississippi Delta Programs at the Partnership for a Healthier America, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025. The event marked the grand opening of the community-focused grocery store. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today A customer exits J’s Grocery in Clarksdale, Miss., Friday, May 2, 2025, after shopping at the newly opened neighborhood store. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( J’s Grocery brings fresh food, hope to Clarksdale neighborhood )
Also on site :