DETROIT (AP) — Efforts to get healthy, locally grown food into Detroit stores and homes owe a lot to a Wayne State University senior.

Will Ahee (AH'-hee) is a student leader for SEED Wayne, a volunteer-based group that seeks to build sustainable food systems on campus and in the area. SEED director Kami Pothukuchi is working to develop models for sustainable food systems in urban areas.

"Ahee carries out much of the day-to-day leg work, including coordinating volunteers, conducting surveys and helping with focus groups," school spokeswoman Amy Oprean wrote on the school's Web site.

One effort taking up much of Ahee's time is the healthy corner stores project on Detroit's east side.

"We've learned that it takes a store owner really wanting to improve the health of the community, rather than making an immediate profit, to get an effort like this off the ground," he said.

Ahee said he wants to attend medical school and open a free clinic that combines food access and health care.

"For me it's sort of a spiritual thing; getting my hands in the soil really connects me to the place," Ahee said in a story on the university's Web site. "Now, after a few years, I am just so in love with the city. I want to do what I can to bring positive change to the community."

Pothukuchi said Ahee has "grown to understand the principles of research from the various projects he's worked on for SEED Wayne. He's committed to Detroit and he's committed to sustainability. It will be interesting to see where this experience will take him next."

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On the Net:

SEED Wayne: http://www.clas.wayne.edu/seedwayne