LAFAYETTE PARISH — Residents of Lafayette Parish’s Northside will soon have access to healthier and more affordable food options, thanks to a new nonprofit grocery store set to open in the area. The Makin’ Groceries Store, a collaboration between Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way of Acadiana, was announced on Thursday and aims to address the persistent issue of food insecurity in the community.
The store, located at 215 East Pinhook Road in a building previously used as a tire shop, is currently undergoing renovations to accommodate its new purpose. Once complete, the store will offer essential grocery items to the residents of Lafayette’s ZIP code 70501, an area that falls within a USDA-designated food desert.
“Access to healthy, affordable food is a fundamental right, yet many face barriers stemming from poverty, food deserts, and limited nutrition education. The Makin’ Groceries Store is a direct response to these challenges,” said Paul Scelfo, Chief Regional Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank. “It will be a hub for nourishment, empowerment, and positive change.”
The new grocery store will specifically cater to the needs of families who face significant challenges in accessing fresh food. Many of these families either lack transportation or have limited access to vehicles, making it difficult for them to reach grocery stores in other parts of the city. Heather Blanchard, president and CEO of United Way of Acadiana, explained that these transportation barriers have long made it harder for families to obtain the nutritious food they need.
“A lot of these families don’t have cars or may only have one car, and they simply can’t drive to access more food options,” Blanchard said.
The creation of the Makin’ Groceries Store has been made possible through generous donations from United Way of Acadiana. The organization is not only helping fund the project but is also committed to continuing its fight against food insecurity in the region.
The store is designed to serve those who are most in need, offering groceries at affordable prices while ensuring access to nutritious food in an area that has long struggled with limited options. Scelfo emphasized that the store’s model will be built around serving the community, particularly those who face the greatest challenges in obtaining food.
“We’re focused on ensuring that people who are in need, especially in food desert areas, will have access to the groceries they need,” Scelfo added. “Whether it’s transportation issues or just logistical barriers, this store is going to help alleviate those struggles.”
Once open, the Makin’ Groceries Store will serve as a crucial resource for residents on Lafayette’s Northside, providing a vital solution to the ongoing issue of food insecurity and giving families in the area an opportunity to access healthier food options without the added burden of long travel distances.