Living in a city has a TON of benefits. Access to large grocery stores with tons of parking, though, is not usually one of them. Recently, many Philadelphia neighborhoods have seen a development of desirable grocery stores, like Trader Joes or Whole Foods, that offer residents fresh product and lots of choice. Residents of other neighborhoods, though, including those outside of Center City, may struggle with finding a good grocery store near them.
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Bottom Dollar was a chain of grocery stores that sought to fill the need for affordable food in many smaller neighborhoods. In late 2014, however, they announced they were being bought by Aldi, with all 66 Bottom Dollar stores slated to close by January, 2015. Not all stores, though, would be turned into Aldi locations, leaving large amounts of vacant retail space. Even worse, many areas of Philadelphia would be left without access to fresh produce or affordable groceries.
The Delaware Valley, and of course South Jersey (Jersey fresh!) contain some amazing farms and growing regions. Kennett Square is the center of American mushroom growing, while Jersey tomatoes were developed right next door. Still, how do you connect city dwellers, many of whom rely on public transit and therefore aren’t likely to take a trip out to area farms, with fresh food products? And how do you make sure they stay affordable?
Philadelphia has long relied on neighborhood food stores. Take a look at the Italian market, which has achieved international fame (in part because of Sylvester Stallone’s famous run up 9th Street, of course, but also due to the variety of delicious items you can buy). The key is making sure affordable, one-stop shopping is also available. Hauling groceries home on the trolley, let alone making 3 stops along the way, is expensive, time-consuming, and exhausting.
How residents are filling food gaps
So residents of more outlying neighborhoods are filling the gaps with their own ideas. If Aldi won’t reopen in the Bottom Dollar locations and Whole Foods and Trader Joes won’t expand to non-Center City neighborhoods, residents need to find their own food solutions.
Locally-owned businesses
Green Aisle Grocery is bringing local products the the Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, and East Passyunk 
Neighborhoods. Brothers Adam and Andrew Erace have a goal of bringing grass-fed beef and raw milk, along with specialty cheeses, condiments, and produce, to Philly neighborhoods. Residents can walk to the stores and buy just enough for the week or a few days. They also connect people with products in New Jersey in Ventnor, as well as at local summer markets.
Co-ops (cooperative markets)
Residents have also been filling the gaps with food co-ops. A food co-op, or cooperative market, is a member-owned, full service grocery store. Since it’s owned and operated via community member “shares,” it is a permanent fixture of the neighborhood and reflects the needs of the community where it’s based. A great example of this is the Weaver’s Way Co-op. Established over 40 years ago, Weaver’s Way originally brought fresh produce to the Mt Airy neighborhood. In 2010, it expanded by opening another store in Chestnut Hill. Although both locations are similar in size and have the shared goal of connecting community residents with fresh, local, natural food, the selection of products differs slightly, as a reflection of what the membership and local residents want to buy.
Farmer’s markets
Speaking of Farmer’s Markets, as a hotbed of local farms, the Philly region has some of the best summer product for sale at a farm table near you! Farmer’s markets, which are essentially one-day a week, outdoor pop-up shops stocked by local vendors, are relatively easy to get up-and-running compared with a permanent shop. It’s easy to buy a week’s worth of produce, or even eggs, cheese, and seafood from vendors, or subscribe to a CSA box. CSAs, or Community Supported Agriculture, entitles you to a “share” of a farm’s produce each week, usually for 26 weeks. You’ll end up with a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables to use each pick up date! Check out Yelp’s list of the best farmer’s markets in the Philadelphia region, or find one in your own neighborhood.
Community gardens and other food access
Why buy when you can go right to the source? Community gardens offer plots for residents to grow their own vegetables, or contain a community arrangement, where residents volunteer to tend the entire garden and then take a share of what’s grown. The price is definitely right – often free, or a nominal fee if the resident is renting a private plot in the garden. Community gardens are also improving neighborhoods by making them more visually desirable. Take the North Philly Peace Park in Sharswood, which transformed an abandoned lot into a source of community pride.
Looking for the perfect Philadelphia neighborhood? Interested in discussing the food options and amenities close to a property you’ve found? Please contact me to discuss your options. And remember, friends don’t let friends buy a home without Agent Lady!
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
