Market on Melrose celebrated opening week with ‘Family Fun Day’

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) – Market on Melrose opened in Roanoke on Wednesday, marking the end of a decades-long food desert in Northwest Roanoke.

"I think it's important that we have a grocery in this area to bring fresh produce, fresh meats, and it's just beautiful inside and out," said Angela Stanfill , vice president of communications for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys.

Goodwill was instrumental in bringing the grocery store to a community that needed a place to get fresh foods at affordable prices within walking distance.

On Saturday, the store welcomed everyone back for another special event to celebrate their first week of operation: a family fun day.

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"It's been exciting and it's a fun day for everyone to come out and we're just so overwhelmed with all the people in the community being a part of it," said Stanfill.

Shoppers enjoyed the promotion as well, including those who were not aware of it at the start of the day.

"I got here about 9:30 and they said they were giving away free stuff at 10:00, so I just had to come back," said local resident Brenda Jerry. "I got on the phone and started calling people."

The family fun day included a scavenger hunt, balloons, and face painting for the kids while offering free samples and coupons for the adults.

Through just a few days of operation, the community has responded very well to the opening of the new food store.

The Roanoke Foodshed Network receives $800,000 grant for food systems

"I like the people," said Jerry. "The way they greet you. They make you feel welcome and at home."

That feeling is by design. The aisles are named after streets and neighborhoods in Northwest Roanoke and the hiring process focused on those living in the nearby areas.

"Not only are you going to see your friends and your neighbors here at this market, when you check out, you're going to see your friends and your neighbors," said Stanfill. "It was a very concerted effort from us to hire people from this community and enrich them."