Ronceverte continues on its roll of redevelopment, the newest addition to commerce in the city, Home Grown Market, has presented a soft opening of its doors this summer on Edgar Avenue.
Owner Suzanne Mantell enthusiastically explained her desire to offer the greenest way of retailing locally grown foods. Her small shop is slowly filling with not only fresh produce, but also with Amish cheeses and butter, free-ranged fresh country eggs, fair trade organic coffees and teas, GMO-free foods and snacks, and a plethora of other great notions.
One of the coolest things in the store at this point is the collection of beautifully designed handmade canvas tote bags. The collection is called Haitian Creations. When you purchase a bag, you are empowering a Haitian woman. She is working hard to build her life with education and job skill training. By buying a Haitian Creation bag, you are throwing hope into their lives, and the lives of the women’s children. Mantell donates all proceeds from the sale of each bag to the maker of the bag in Haiti.
Mantell also carries items from the Newman’s Own brand, which donates millions of dollars annually to charity from the proceeds of the sales of its products.
There is a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, including spices, handmade jewelry, and some locally produced wine. Mantell, along with her sales assistant, three year old Auralah Fullen, is hoping to soon offer locally produced hormone-free grass-fed meats once the freezer is installed.
Just so you know, your purchases go out the door in reusable bags. Who needs those plastic grocery store bags anymore anyway?
Mantrell is also sending out a call to any and all local food growers and producers interested in retailing their goods through her venue. If you are interested in shopping, or selling through Home Grown Market, please visit Mantrell at 218 Edgar Avenue in Ronceverte. A new phone line and number are pending installation by the phone company any day; but the store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
