Neighbors shopping at the best free grocery store in town – The Friendship Center, are walking away with an average of $160 worth of groceries. This spring, one of our student volunteers, Cora W. price compared what our neighborhood grocery stores would charge for the food that neighbors select for free during their pantry visit.

As a student, Cora is not worried about paying for housing or food but she’s learning through her classes and volunteering at TFC, that affording life’s basic necessities is costly. Cora shared, “we did a budgeting activity last year in school. It was really helpful to see all the pieces we have to put together to live. The price comparison project showed me this as well. And if we can make the puzzle a little easier for someone, I want to be part of that.”

As Cora was doing her research at local grocery stores she noted, “how hard it can be to find food in a grocery store, especially if you don’t know the layout well. A well-organized list helps.”

In addition to navigating prices and layouts of grocery stores, all of us have felt our dollars getting us less and less food when we go to check out. Our neighbors facing hunger are no exception, Cora also noticed, “while doing the price comparison project and seeing just how much food costs right in front of me, it was hard to imagine spending this much money on what I eat every week.” Your investment at The Friendship Center through donating, volunteering, and raising awareness helps alleviate neighbors from their tight budgets and allows them to redirect the $160 – $320 they are saving to other costs like utility bills, medicine, childcare, and beyond.

The Friendship Center has continued to serve more neighbors in 2024 than ever before, with a 35% increase compared to last year. To continue to provide access to fresh food and vital resources we rely on volunteers and donations to meet the needs of our neighbors.