John Burns* was born and raised in New Orleans and remembers when fresh foods were abundant and economically available to everyone. Unwilling to accept that 80% of New Orleans residents live in a “food desert,“ John launched Jack & Jake’s Local Market in 2009. John is uniquely qualified to rebuild a local food system. His work over the last 25 years includes serving as a professional restoration ecologist, acting Principal with a top 10 engineering firm (Mactec Engineering), Directing both a for-profit and nonprofit, and owning a cafe and catering company sourcing local, organic food. John’s family owns and operates an organic farm in Washington Parish, Louisiana. John helped establish and manage Hollygrove Market & Farm in New Orleans and is currently publisher of Edible New Orleans Magazine.

*Since graduating Propeller’s Accelerator program, the Dryades Public Market has re-branded and assumed new leadership.

The Opportunity/Challenge

The Dryades Public Market works to address the market failures that have resulted in the under-utilization of local farms and seafood producers in the southeastern U.S., an incredibly fertile region that is not adequately reaching the local marketplace. Simultaneously, the Market seeks to improve food safety and health outcomes by addressing food access challenges that contribute to the high level of obesity and diabetes that are prevalent throughout the region.

The Impact

• Currently constructing its inaugural retail food hub location, a 27,000 square foot market and distribution point being developed by Alembic Community Development in the historic former Myrtle Banks School building on Oretha C. Haley Boulevard.
• Represents the first regional food hub in Louisiana capable of connecting local producers with those who need access to fresh healthy foods most.