Newark has opened five community grocery stores, one in each of the city’s wards, offering food and household supplies.
The stores grew out of emergency food hubs established across the city during last winter’s government shutdown. Mayor Ras Baraka said the city decided to make the program permanent following the temporary effort.
The stores carry fresh produce, dairy products, meat, dry goods and household supplies. No membership or minimum purchase is required, according to the city. Newark says all five locations will soon accept SNAP and WIC benefits…