Ribbon Cutting at Grass Roots Grocery

On Sunday October 15, Grass Roots Grocery, located at 415A Ridge Street in Alton, invited family, friends, donors and members to a ribbon cutting followed by an open house. Co-Manager Christine Favilla began the presentation by welcoming all those in attendance and by thanking all those who banded together to make the Grass Roots Grocery project a reality. After introducing Co-Manager Sara McGibany and Steering Committee Members and staff who were present, Christine introduced Dr. Jackie Burns, Professor and Department Chair of Sociology at Principia College. For years Dr. Burns has been leading the metro-east in the area of social enterprise. She spoke briefly about the devastating effect globalization has had on communities across the nation and how she expects the new grocery store to play a role in revitalizing the community. Mayor Brant Walker lauded Sara and Christine for their effort in giving life to the new grocery store and spoke of its importance to revitalization of the Hunterstown neighborhood.
Favilla spoke of a program initiated by Grass Roots employees with the intention of building community and relationships by giving every kid and every police officer who walk in the door a free piece of fruit. She thanked the Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm – specifically the Simmons Employee Foundation - for their sponsorship of the program.
Sara McGibany spoke of the grocery store’s goal to source everything it can from within 50 miles of Alton and that their main list of vendors are from the Alton Farmers and Artisans Market.
Grass Roots Grocery is open 7-days a week; Monday through Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Grass Roots Grocery
415A Ridge Street
Alton, IL 62002
618-208-4999