Homepage - Corner at Debs Store

Come Shop at

The Corner at Debs Store

The only affordable, sustainable, healthy grocery store in Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside neighborhood.

and Debs Store

In 2024, Goodwill Industries of North Florida will expand its traditional focus on employment, training and education to address one of the major challenges facing Jacksonville residents: a lack of access to healthy, nutritious foods.

The Corner at Debs Store, at the corner of Florida Avenue and 5th Street, will bring fresh produce and groceries to the residents of Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside and surrounding neighborhoods, filling a void created by the 2011 closing of the original Debs Store. Working with our partners, LIFT JAX, the Debs Family, VyStar Credit Union, local community organizations and our donors, we seek to create a vibrant community space where residents can build healthier, more prosperous lives.

In addition, we will be closing the wealth gap by providing career and financial wellness services through the Goodwill’s GoodCareers Center and a VyStar microbranch, located on the second floor of the grocery store.

Upstairs Space

The top floor contains a GoodCareers Center, which is a no-cost, full-service career center that will allow anyone looking for work to access resources and learn skills for conducting an independent job search.

Also upstairs will be a VyStar Credit Union “Financial Fitness” Center where VyStar specialists will be available to assist members with access to online services, opening accounts, and providing financial counseling.

A community space is also available for reservation at no cost with a flexible seating arrangement, projector, and screen.

GoodCareers Center

Hours: M-F 9 am – 4 pm

As a resources hub for the community, our GoodCareers Center offers a no-cost, full-service space for anyone needing the skills to be successful in their job search, in a positive and supportive environment.

VyStar Credit Union

Hours: MWF 10 am – 2 pm

VyStar Credit Union is focused on improving financial access in the Historic Eastside by providing Financial Fitness educational programs at its Financial Fitness Center located on the second floor of the Corner at Debs Store.

Why is this initiative so important?

Because access to healthy food is not a luxury;

it is a necessity.

Have you ever been distracted in a meeting because you were hungry? Have you ever had to do homework on an empty stomach? The absence of access to nutritious food affects every aspect of life. We believe that The Corner will provide the needed access to healthy food becoming a cornerstone of growth, education, and the betterment of individuals and of the community as a whole.

This is where we need your support.

Through the generosity of friends like you, we will be well on our way to establishing a sustainable, not-for-profit operation, ensuring that Eastside and urban core families can benefit from this essential resource now and for generations to come. As we have opened the store operations and embark to make this entity self sustaining, we will continue to heavily rely on your investments to stock the grocery market with fresh, equipment to keep the food fresh, transportation to pick up the fresh foods and bring it to the market, and other essential items.

THANK YOU

To all of the Community Partners

Special thanks to:

Baptist Health
City of Jacksonville
Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund
Eisman & Russo
Florida Blue
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
JTA
JWB Real Estate Capital
Mayo Clinic
Pat Hillegass
RS&H
THE PLAYERS
State of Florida

Sign Up to Stay in the Know

The Corner at Debs Store is brought to you in partnership with Goodwill of North Florida, Lift Jax, Historic Eastside CDC and Vystar Credit Union.

The Corner at Debs Store

1478 Florida Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Phone: 904-384-1361