Thrive Food Hub is a new shopping centre that will provide a great need in the area: healthy food.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For some people, finding groceries is hard.
“It’s all potato chips, cookies and candy,” Jerrylyn Thompson told WCNC Charlotte’s Tradesha Woodard about the difficulty of finding fresh, healthy food in her area.
Thompson knows the struggle firsthand, having waited hours for a bus that never came or walked more than 20 minutes to buy a carton of eggs.
“I have to go for a walk with a wheeled bag, go to the grocery store, then carry it home,” she said. “I’m always hot and sweaty.”
Thompson said sometimes this is a priority even when temperatures are 90 degrees.
To bring relief to families like Thompson’s, Historic West End Partners is now opening new doors with the launch of Thrive Food Hub through a collaboration with LISC Charlotte.
The hub will act as a place where people can purchase healthy foods and hot, wholesome meals.
Founder Jaytaniya Adams said it was a dream come true.
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“Having healthy food options is important for humans, and that’s what’s lacking,” Adams said.
Convenience stores in shopping centers will also sell fresh produce, including EBT-eligible foods.
“They support the economies of other neighborhoods by going to South End, NoDa, South Park,” Adams said. “Money is leaving our neighborhoods, so we need to bring these services back home.”
Thompson said it’s been a long battle to find healthier options, but she’s grateful relief is on the way, and that her partner wouldn’t have been able to survive without it.
“I tried to get Walmart and Harris Teeter, but they wouldn’t come,” Thompson said. “My partner has high blood pressure, so I need to make sure he’s eating healthy.”
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Leaders said the Thrive Food Hub will also provide support to small businesses and serve as an open space for meetings and training they need to thrive.
Adams said the hub is now open and plans to add more chefs to the kitchen.
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