Free grocery store installed in middle school to help struggling families

By Harrison Moore via SWNS

A food waste company has installed the first grocery store in a school to help struggling families - where everything is free.

Goodr, a startup business dedicated to eliminating food waste, has been hosting free grocery popup stores in food deserts since 2017.

Last month they introduced a permanent store in a middle school in Georgia - where 60 percent of the children are living in poverty.

"It is very hard to focus on anything when you are hungry, having access to fresh food daily will improve learning," said Goodr CEO Jasmine Crowe, from Atlanta, Georgia.

"We have eliminated the stigma or shame that may be associated with going to a food pantry by partnering with Gunna and other established brands.

The store at Ronald E. McNair Middle School is stocked with clothes, shoes and fresh food, free for children to take home to their struggling families.

It took four weeks to install and costs around $50,000 to build and restock weekly for the entire school year.

Goodr has partnered with hip hop artist Gunna, along with Reebok and Foot Locker to stock the shelves with these essential items.

"The store is entirely funded by Gunna, and Goodr is responsible for restocking the shelves every week," Jasmine said.

"Families at the school are able to register online and request to pick up any items they need, no questions asked.

"Our end goal is to have them in every school that needs it."