In partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, West Philadelphia’s Mighty Market, a service provided by the nonprofit organization Mighty Writers, underwent a drastic remodel to better provide to the families it serves. The doors reopened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on April 23 to reveal a larger space, brand new shelves and refrigerators, and an enhanced experience for neighbors to select the foods of their choice with shopping baskets and volunteers to help them as they shop. Aside from food, the space also provides family supplies like diapers and formula, free books, and hygiene kits.
Mighty Writers teaches thousands of children in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Camden County, New Jersey, to think clearly and write with clarity. The organization recognizes that educational greatness begins at home, and it cannot happen if there is not enough food to fuel a family. Which is why, since 2020, Mighty Writers has worked with partners like Philabundance to provide free, nutritious foods at various distribution sites.
“We want to continue to make things better. Yes, we’ve been here for many years, over half a decade now, and we just don’t want to stay stagnant,” Desmond Dozier, director of community impact at Mighty Writers, said. “We want to keep trying to find ways to improve and keep trying to make our spaces as inviting as possible. It’s not possible without great partners like Philabundance.”
Mighty Writers hopes to continue to improve its distribution sites, so neighbors can continue to access resources can provide resources to those who need it with dignity and care.