FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, Md. — The Fairmount Heights Branch Library in Prince George’s County is one of the latest locations to establish a free grocery store after partnering with Goodr, a company that has opened dozens of free storefronts across America. The opening of the Fairmount Five Market on May 28 marked the first Goodr store to be established in the Washington, D.C., area, offering assistance to local Maryland residents struggling with food insecurity.
Residents who are accepted to shop at the Fairmount Five Market can browse the free grocery store for fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, in addition to a variety of other essential household items. Shoppers can peruse the aisles for everything they need without paying a dime, helping struggling residents get back on their feet.
In addition to the Prince George’s County location, Goodr has opened around 30 other stores in various cities throughout the United States. While Goodr is involved in setting up the free grocery store, its funding comes from a county grant.
Those who wish to shop at the Fairmount Five Market first need to apply. Currently, more than 200 individual families have been accepted into the program, while a waiting list has been established for additional households.
Additionally, a second free grocery store called the District 7 Fresh Market opened in Prince George’s County at the Spauldings Branch Library on June 8, which will offer even more assistance to local residents in need. Comptroller Brooke Lierman attended the opening and had this to say on Facebook:
“Libraries are great places to file your taxes — and at the Spauldings Branch Library in District Heights, residents can now also pick up free, healthy groceries.
“The new site is a great example of how we can use community spaces creatively to meet people’s needs. Looking forward to seeing this model grow as we work to reduce food insecurity and expand access to healthy options across Prince George’s County.”
Libraries are public hubs that are also commonly located in residential areas, making them the perfect choice for the location of a free grocery store. Food insecurity is a problem that requires consistent work to solve, and the conversion of public spaces into food pantries offers a lasting solution.
What Is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is when a person or family lacks the basic amount of food they need to lead a healthy life. This issue is commonly caused by financial insecurity, limited access to local groceries and homelessness, though anybody can find themselves without enough food.
Despite its ranking as one of the wealthiest states in America, the Maryland Food Bank asserts that 1 in 3 residents is facing food insecurity:
“With 1 in 3 Marylanders facing food insecurity, chances are hunger has touched someone you know. But hunger is much more than a number; it is a complex social issue with many causes and far-reaching consequences. Only when we have a complete understanding of what hunger means and how it truly impacts Marylanders can we realistically find the solution to end it.”
Food insecurity is a hard problem to solve, but free grocery stores and food pantries allow communities to give back to their most vulnerable members.
If you or somebody you care about is struggling with food insecurity, visit the Maryland Food Bank website to find a comprehensive map that lists assistance available throughout Maryland.
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Yes this is all connected, the new ebt. No more going anywhere you want and buy what you want, we will eat what they feed us.