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I.e., not having a supermarket within many miles of where they live, forcing them to rely on "convenience stores" with limited or no availability of fresh produce, means little access to recognizable "nutritious meals".
Just over a week ago here in Philly, there was an under-construction garage that collapsed, killing 2 construction workers and injurying a 3rd, at the location where Children's Hospital had been expanding in West Philly. That resulted in forcing the shopping strip with the only supermarket in the area, which was adjacent to the site, to close for safety reasons until the bodies in the garage were recovered, and parts of the unstable structure were demolished.
Food giveaway supports Grays Ferry residents after supermarket closure
ByCheyenne Corin
Sunday, April 12, 2026
GRAYS FERRY (WPVI) -- Residents in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood lined up for free groceries and baby items as the nearby Fresh Grocer remained closed due to a parking garage demolition, leaving the community without a convenient place to buy food. As a result, city officials and community organizations organized a food distribution event at Donald P. Finnegan Playground to meet residents' immediate needs.
"We were wondering where we were going to go to next to get some food," said Norman Best of Grays Ferry. The line for supplies wrapped around the corner as people waited for assistance. Officials said the event was part of a broader effort to support a neighborhood dealing with recent challenges. "The neighborhood and our city right now they're dealing with the trauma of the tragedy that took place so whatever we can do to add to the level of healing that's what today is about," said Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
The giveaway was a collaboration between the city, Philabundance and other community organizations. "This is one of the times for our city but it shows the city at its best people coming together," said Vince Schiavone, President of Caring for Friends. Michael Harris, international president of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity Incorporated, said the effort reflects a shared responsibility to support the community.
"When you have situations that transpire like that it affects the whole community so at some point in time it's our job to step up," Harris said. Mayor Cherelle Parker also participated in the event, working alongside volunteers and partners. "To be in this region and have your main supermarket closed for 4 days thats a challenge," Parker said.
(snip)
ByCheyenne Corin
Sunday, April 12, 2026
GRAYS FERRY (WPVI) -- Residents in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood lined up for free groceries and baby items as the nearby Fresh Grocer remained closed due to a parking garage demolition, leaving the community without a convenient place to buy food. As a result, city officials and community organizations organized a food distribution event at Donald P. Finnegan Playground to meet residents' immediate needs.
"We were wondering where we were going to go to next to get some food," said Norman Best of Grays Ferry. The line for supplies wrapped around the corner as people waited for assistance. Officials said the event was part of a broader effort to support a neighborhood dealing with recent challenges. "The neighborhood and our city right now they're dealing with the trauma of the tragedy that took place so whatever we can do to add to the level of healing that's what today is about," said Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
The giveaway was a collaboration between the city, Philabundance and other community organizations. "This is one of the times for our city but it shows the city at its best people coming together," said Vince Schiavone, President of Caring for Friends. Michael Harris, international president of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity Incorporated, said the effort reflects a shared responsibility to support the community.
"When you have situations that transpire like that it affects the whole community so at some point in time it's our job to step up," Harris said. Mayor Cherelle Parker also participated in the event, working alongside volunteers and partners. "To be in this region and have your main supermarket closed for 4 days thats a challenge," Parker said.
(snip)
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