Bargain Grocery provides affordable food options to combat food insecurity in the local community.
New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visits Bargain Grocery in Utica, highlighting its vital role in tackling food insecurity and supporting the local community. Established in 2002, the store offers affordable food options while reducing waste. With a significant portion of the population struggling with food access, Bargain Grocery’s efforts, including discounts for SNAP users, aim to ensure that everyone can access nutritious food. The store plans to expand its services to further support economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon recently acknowledged the significant role that Bargain Grocery in Utica plays in addressing food insecurity in the region. During her visit on July 28, Reardon highlighted the importance of access to affordable food and fresh produce, especially as food prices continue to rise in traditional supermarkets.
Bargain Grocery, located on Lincoln Avenue, was established in 2002 to support the Compassion Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger. The store provides a variety of food products—including produce, dairy, meat, frozen goods, and prepared meals—at reduced prices by selling overproduced or donated items from national and local vendors. This approach aims to combat both food waste and food insecurity in the local community.
Statistics indicate a critical need for such services, with approximately 40% of food produced in the U.S. going uneaten while nearly 1 in 8 Americans face food insecurity. In Oneida County, where Utica is located, a reported 12.1% of residents, equating to around 28,440 people, were classified as food insecure as of 2016. The ongoing mission of Bargain Grocery is to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable, quality food, regardless of their benefit status.
The impact of Bargain Grocery extends beyond just selling food. The store generates funds that help the Compassion Coalition distribute over $20 million in donated goods annually to more than 350,000 individuals across New York State. This support is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations who face increasing challenges in affording basic necessities.
During her visit, Commissioner Reardon underscored that food insecurity is not limited to low-income households but can affect anyone experiencing unexpected life changes. The New York State Labor Commissioner’s mission includes promoting economic stability and connecting workers to careers, which aligns with the food access efforts of Bargain Grocery.
In response to recent federal proposals to cut food assistance programs, Bargain Grocery has implemented a 10% discount for users of SNAP and EBT cards. Store CEO Mike Servello expressed particular concern for children facing hunger and emphasized the necessity of providing a range of food choices instead of merely pre-packaged commodities.
Bargain Grocery’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat food insecurity in Central New York, which is becoming increasingly relevant as prices soar. With plans to open a new location on River Street in Troy, New York, the store aims to serve economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in that area. However, the opening has been postponed until the location can accept SNAP benefits effectively.
The Troy store is part of a larger $75 million housing development that will include affordable housing and additional retail space. Anticipated completion for this project is set for the end of 2025. By expanding its reach, Bargain Grocery hopes to further support local communities in need and continue its mission of reducing food insecurity and waste.
As the conversation around food access evolves, Bargain Grocery stands out as a critical resource in helping individuals and families obtain fresh and affordable food options while addressing larger systemic issues of food waste in the United States.
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