CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For some, groceries are hard to find.
"You have potato chips, cookies, and it's all candy," Jerry’lynn Thompson told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard, when discussing the difficulty of finding fresh, healthy food in her area.
It's a struggle Thompson knows firsthand after waiting hours for a bus she said never shows, and walking more than 20 minutes to buy a carton of eggs.
"I'm having to go take that walk with my rolling bag, I go to the grocery store and then have to walk back home with it and drag it behind me," Thompson said. "I'm always so hot and sweaty."
Thompson said this is a priority sometimes even in 90-degree weather.
To bring relief to families like Thompsons, Historic West End Partners is now unlocking new doors, opening the Thrive Food Hub through collaboration with LISC Charlotte.
The hub serves as a place where you can purchase healthy food and hot healthy meals.
The founder, J’Tanya Adams, said it’s a dream come true.
"It's important for human beings to have healthy food options period and that’s what we are lacking," Adams said.
The convenience store in the shopping center will also offer fresh food options, including EBT-eligible foods.
"They're supporting other people’s economies by going to South End, NoDa or South Park," Adams said. "The money is leaving our community so we need to bring those services home."
Thompson said it’s been a long fight to get healthier options but she’s thankful relief is on the way, her partner couldn’t survived without it.
"We tried to get a Walmart or a Harris Teeter, and they would not come," Thompson said. "I have a significant other that has high blood pressure so we have to be able to have healthy food."
Leaders said Thrive Food Hub will also provide support for small businesses. serving as an open space for the meetings and training they need to thrive.
Adams said the hub is currently open, and they’re looking to add more chefs to the kitchen.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues impacting the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.