FUNDING WILL BRING NEW SUPERMARKETS TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED

          HARRISBURG, July 19 – State Senators LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila. /Montgomery) and Shirley M. Kitchen (D-Phila.) announced today that three new supermarkets will open in Germantown, North Philadelphia and Logan thanks to a state loan in the amount of $2.5 million.

          “I am so pleased to announce this funding,” Washington said.  “It is a great convenience for the citizens of these communities to have supermarkets readily available in their neighborhoods.”

          “With the opening of these supermarkets almost 600 new jobs will be available, making this a great opportunity for economic growth and career opportunities in the community,” Kitchen added.

          The funding, being provided to the Fresh Grocer, LLC; will assist in the financing of start-up working capitol, renovation costs and the purchase of new equipment for three new stores.

          The Fresh Grocer, LLC specializes in opening supermarkets in areas that are determined to be underserved and are in low to moderate income census tracts.

          “These underserved communities deserve to have the convenience of shopping for their grocery needs in their own community.” Washington said.  “This funding gives them a way to do just that.”

          “It is funding like this that helps these communities realize their economic goals,” Kitchen added.