August Updates: Big Bets, Big Moves, and Big Gratitude
We blinked, and just like that—it’s August. This month brought milestones big and small, each a reminder of the power of perseverance, partnership, and people.
Rockefeller Foundation’s U.S. Big Bets Fellowship Kick-Off
To kick things off, we’re thrilled to share that our co-founder Alex joined the inaugural cohort of the Rockefeller Foundation’s U.S. Big Bets Fellowship. This program brings together 12 bold leaders from across the country to strengthen inclusive economic systems and build healthier, more resilient communities. Over the next few weeks, Alex will engage in peer connection and professional development to help scale our work here at The Community Grocer. We’re proud to be represented in this powerful group of change-makers and can’t wait to bring his insights home.
🛠 Construction Update: We have water!
On the ground—some huge news: we got approval for our street work to connect to water. After 11 months of navigating city processes and permits we’re ready to move forward with the final major construction hurdle before opening our doors. It's a huge win, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us get here!
Want to stay up to date on our construction progress? Check out our community updates page: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.org/community-updates
Want to join us on a hard hat tour? Sign up here: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.org/events-classes-education
We officially signed with Toast.org as our point-of-sale system.
This comprehensive tech partnership integrates APIs like Edify and Forage to support payroll, inventory, shelf visibility, and streamlined benefits integration. It’s a huge step forward in creating a modern and transparent food shopping experience—using SNAP or otherwise. A special shoutout to the Toast.org team for supporting our mission with pro-bono services!
Partnership Spotlight!
This month also marked a sweet celebration: Sharing Excess turned another year older, and we couldn’t be prouder of the work they’ve built. Their model of food rescue from the wholesale market helps us do more for our neighbors. Their support of our weekly meal distribution means more nourishment for more people. And soon, their rescued ingredients will be featured more regularly.
We launched recruitment for our inaugural workforce development cohorts.
We kicked things off by tabling at the PHMC Health Fair and are now out in the neighborhood, sharing opportunities for paid culinary apprenticeships. These are real pathways to career-building jobs for young adults in West Philly. Follow us on socials to see where we’ll be next!
Know anyone in the Southwest Philly region ages 18-24 looking to take the next or first step in their career journey? Send them this interest form below:
This month, we participated in the Philadelphia Food & Nutrition Security Task Force, helping shape citywide solutions that build a more resilient, equitable food system for all Philadelphians.
Our research got published!
The CHANGE Study, which we co-authored with partners from Penn Medicine and our neighbors was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The paper—“Co-occurrence of food security challenges in a low-food access neighborhood”—offers critical insights into the layered barriers families face, and why models like ours are essential.
Here’s how you can help this month:
We’re seeking connections to the PECO Foundation to support our operations and sustainability.
We need your help to launch our apprenticeship program. Due to recent government funding cuts, we’re turning to you to help bring our first cohort to life. Every donation supports paid training, mentorship, and opportunity.
