NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The E. Palmer Supermarket opened its doors for the 3rd Annual “Berkley Grocery Giveaway: A Celebration of Community and Giving Back.”
The supermarket, formally known as the Berkley Supermarket, is an essential part of the Berkley area.
“This grocery store is really doing good work for this community. It’s a necessary part of this community, especially for those who are food insecure,” said Cara Purvis, an attorney with Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers.
After losing Farm Fresh in 2018, Berkley area of Norfolk to get new grocery store
Following the closure of a Farm Fresh store in 2018, the area was considered a food desert for nearly three years. To celebrate and support the new store, Norfolk Councilwoman Danica Royster created a social media challenge three years ago.
“Now we have a Black [and] veteran owned business here to support the community,” said Royster. “I came up with a Black history month challenge on social media. I challenged all my followers, friends, stakeholders, etc. for Black history month [in] February, buy your groceries from a Black-owned grocery store, which is the E. Palmer Supermarket.”
Morring Law and Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers partnered with her to help the community.
“We’re giving away $11,000 worth of grocery gift cards,” said Charlene Morring with Morring Law. “We will hopefully be able to bless at least 440 families with gift cards and one family will get a gift card worth $1,200 dollars for groceries.”
Morring adds, “[I’m] very pleased with the turnout, but also humbled to know that people have been sitting outside, standing outside in the cold simply so they can get a break with such high prices, with the groceries.”
The giveaway is helping people save money on their groceries.
“People need help,” said Royster. “Ultimately, you’re elected to care. You’re elected to serve. My hope is that not too many people are walking away with the gift card. They’re more so saying, ‘hey, I got X amount of dollars off of my bill today’ and more people walking out with carts. You never know how that could have contributed and helped a family today.”
The community partners plan to host the grocery giveaway again in 2025.
