Charity grocery store extends hours

Helping Harvest, a charity-run food assistance program for struggling families located in Faith Plaza, has extended its program hours. The new hours are:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday/Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Helping Harvest serves low-income families only, but functions like a typical grocery store. Shoppers grab a cart, make their selections and head to the checkout where they pay at least 50% less than typical grocery store prices. SNAP, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Helping Harvest is a program of Hope Full Life Center Inc., a charity also located in Faith Plaza. The charity's mission is to provide a helping hand, not a hand out, to improve life for neighbors. Helping Harvest is largely run by volunteers.

“Families who live paycheck to paycheck often aren’t able to buy all the food they need for a week in one shopping trip. Being open six days instead of four days each week will help families have more access to low-cost, nutritious food,” said Rebecca Marion Flach, executive director of Hope Full Life Center.

Helping Harvest has nearly 500 active members and has served more than 1,450 families since 2010. Many are the working poor or senior citizens. The program remained open throughout the pandemic and sent home an estimated $200,000 worth of groceries with struggling families in 2020.

Helping Harvest carries a variety of dry goods, frozen products, dairy, meats and produce. The store is located down the mall hallway using the exterior entrance between China King and Ravena Pizza. Individuals and families interested in shopping at Helping Harvest are encouraged to stop by and fill out a simple membership application. Membership is free. To learn more about Helping Harvest and Hope Full Life Center visit HopeFullLifeCenter.org or call 518-756-9091.