ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Northwest Roanoke has been considered a food desert for the last 40 years- and the new Market on Melrose is looking to provide fresh food at affordable prices closer to home for the community.
Leaders from across the valley gathered on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the 15,000-square-foot market. Not only is the market going to give community members access to more nutritious and affordable food options, but it’s also meant to bring the community together with educational opportunities, financial empowerment, and jobs, already hiring more than 40 employees, with plans to hire more.
“This has been about more than just building a market, it’s about investing in an area that has long been under-served. Creating a welcoming place for residents to access fresh, healthy foods, essential health care services, and educational resources,” said the Mayor of the City of Roanoke Sherman Lea.
It calls this a ‘first of its kind market’ with a wide variety of brands for those to choose from.
Still to come to the plaza is a bank, a wellness center, an adult high school, and a history wall to represent African American culture in Roanoke.
The first 100 shoppers to the market received a free gift on opening day as they walked through the doors, but the fun doesn’t stop there, you can enjoy a family fun day at the market on Saturday, November 16th from 10 am to 2 pm.