HAMPTON, Va.— A Black-owned, nonprofit grocery store is in high demand to feed the Hampton community during the pandemic.
The Vineyard’s Storehouse is the only one of its kind in Hampton Roads, and it’s led by volunteers who manage to keep the prices low and the food fresh during this time of need.
“No one should be hungry; no one should be hurting,” said owner Jacob Hopson.
It’s that simple belief that brought The Vineyard’s Storehouse to life three years ago at its current location at 1529 E. Pembroke Ave.
“It’s just a great blessing because we’re able to meet a need that no one else is willing to fulfill,” said Hopson.
What started as a church pantry blossomed into the Black-owned, veteran-owned, nonprofit grocery store in Hampton.
“We saw how it was helping our members, and we opened it up to the general public just to be a help to the community.”
As hunger grows during the pandemic, so does the demand at the Storehouse, and they continue to feed the Buckroe community for less than the big chain grocery stores.
“We tell you to get everything you want; you won’t spend what you think you’re going to spend,” explained Hopson.
One thing you’ll notice is that many items don’t have price tags. Hopson says that because they want customers to enjoy the sweet surprise of seeing how much they saved.
“We love the response and the reaction to when they get to the register and they have a basket full of groceries and they realize it’s not what they thought.”
A box of cereal costs $2, and an apple is just $0.50. They sell everything nearly at cost, and you won’t pay a dime in taxes.
“No one takes a salary. Every person here is a volunteer.”
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Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are picked locally by the Storehouse for your house each week.
They’re in the process of trying to spread the love with a second location. Until then, the Pembroke Ave store is operating on pandemic hours: Thursday - Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
