Stonecrest’s First Free Grocery Store Opens Inside Martin Luther King Jr. High School

Introduction

A groundbreaking initiative has been launched in Stonecrest, Georgia with the opening of the city’s first free grocery store inside Martin Luther King Jr. High School. This innovative project aims to provide students and their families with access to fresh and healthy food options, addressing issues of food insecurity and promoting overall well-being.

The Store

• The store, named “Panther Pantry,” is run by the school’s culinary arts program and offers a variety of fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples.
• It is open to all students and their families, regardless of income or need.
• The store also offers cooking classes and nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits.

Impact

• The opening of Panther Pantry has already made a significant impact in the community, with over 100 families utilizing the store in its first week.
• It not only provides access to nutritious food, but also helps to reduce the stigma often associated with receiving assistance.
• The store also serves as a valuable resource for students who may not have access to healthy meals at home.

Future Plans

The success of Panther Pantry has sparked plans for similar initiatives in other schools and communities in Stonecrest. The city’s mayor, Jason Lary, hopes to eventually have a free grocery store in every school in the district.

Conclusion

The opening of Panther Pantry inside Martin Luther King Jr. High School is a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits in Stonecrest. This innovative project serves as a model for other communities to follow and has already made a positive impact on the lives of students and their families.