NORFOLK, Va. - Two local law firms partnered to provide $11,000 in gift cards and help grocery shoppers in Norfolk's Berkley community put more food on the table.
A line of customers wrapped around the outside of E. Palmer Supermarket on Saturday morning, waiting for the opportunity to receive one of the estimated 400 gift cards provided by Morring Law and Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers.
Charlene Morring, Principal at Morring Law, joined representatives from Cooper Hurley in handing out the gift cards just inside the store's doors.
This was the third year of the giveaway, which organizers say started from a call to action on social media.
“I challenged all of my constituents, stakeholders in Norfolk and beyond to shop at this Black-owned, family-owned, veteran-owned grocery store because the Palmer family got behind this community when no other grocery store would come to this community," said Danica Royster, who represents the Berkley area on the Norfolk City Council.
"My firm decided to accept that challenge," said Morring.
E. Palmer opened as Berkley Supermarket in 2021, bringing a much-needed grocery store to what was described as a food desert.
"Giving people access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods is just great for all around the community," said Esron Palmer, General Manager at E. Palmer Supermarket.
The first group into the store Saturday morning received $50 in gift cards, the rest received $25. Shopper Shirley Braswell told News 3 she was thankful for the help.
“I’ve been out of work so it helps out a lot and plus, everything is going up except for your check nowadays," she said.
Organizers say they already intend to hold a fourth year of the giveaway next year.
