Here’s exactly what we need on a university campus: a Fresh Grocer. Because over-priced groceries are exactly what a neighborhood needs to grow healthy. Not.
Sure, Penn has one. LaSalle has one. Naturally Temple needs one too, right? More jobs. Fresh groceries. At least that’s what one of the kids in that article says. Rico, a street vendor around Temple, says that neighborhood residents don’t have places to buy fresh fruit. (Although I guess he never went to the white truck on 13th and Jefferson that sells produce every day but okay.)
But, seriously. Who can afford the stuff at Fresh Grocer? Has anyone ever been to a Fresh Grocer? The stuff there is not cheap. It’s for university students whose parents are footing the bill. It’s for the Temple student who finds it inconvenient to take the subway to Allegheny and go to the Pathmark. It’s not for the kids who really need it. Maybe prices have gone down there since I went to the one on Penn’s campus, but I doubt it. You’re better off going to Trader Joe’s.
Let me break it down in terms of expense.
Whole Foods>Fresh Grocer>Trader Joe’s>Pathmark>Shop Rite>Aldi’s
I know my grocery stores. Walk down to the Fresh Grocer at Penn. See the prices there. See the selection there. See the (mostly-white) clientele there.
If you want to make a neighborhood a better place, that’s all well and good. Build a movie theater. Build a Starbucks. Build an upscale gourmet food store. But don’t tell me you’re doing it for the good of the neighborhood residents. Because you’re not.
actually, it’s not that simple. I assume you’re referring to the Fresh Grocer on penn campus? The one out near my house at 54th and Chester is MUCH cheaper. In fact, sometimes it’s even cheaper than pathmark, especially with the meat selection.
Really? Perhaps I should re-order my chart. Pathmark is expensive, true that.
You may think you know your supermarkets ,but with all do respect, you do not know business. Sure it is more expensive at the Penn store, why wouldn’t they capitalize on the deep pockets of Penn student’s parents? I am a Temple and I can assure you this Fresh Grocer will be good for us students. This store will be cheaper then the Penn store. I am glad I will be able to shop at a supermarket close to campus instead of eating at J and H or the SAC. Give it a chance before you put the store down. Also ,for your information , being white does not in the least bit mean you do not need to shop wisely. And about the white truck who sales fruit everyday ….. They do not pay taxes for what they sale and it is not right.
Good points – all. I’ll be on campus for the next three years. I’ll give it a chance.