Newark is taking a different approach to food shopping - opening up community food stores that undercut supermarkets.
“[Customers] probably didn’t expect our prices to be lower, but they are happy about it," said West Ward store manager Bernice Guzman.
Newark’s first five community grocery stores - one for each ward - opened this month. They aren't food pantries, but the customers only pay 25-30% above wholesale. For a growing family, it can make a difference.
One Newark father and son packed a basket full of groceries for $54 at the West Ward store on Central Avenue. The store is a partnership with the nonprofit United Community Corporation.
“Here, we’ll be able to provide essential items," said Guzman. "Personal items, baby items. Fresh produce, protein, meat, milk."
Guzman said the best deals are on produce. When News 12 shopped, three bell peppers were priced for $1.
News 12 also found three split chicken breasts for $7.62 and a container of Folger's coffee grounds for $7.12. That was a total of $15.74 with the peppers.
News 12 checked out a nearby supermarket and found the same items would cost $25.69.
Find more details on all five community grocery stores in Newark here.