Nation's First Full-Service Non-Profit Grocery Store Opens In Delaware County
CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- We all know produce isn't the cheapest item to buy at the grocery store.
So, one store in Chester, Delaware County, is trying to entice customers to eat healthier by offering rewards.
The store is already a first of its kind in the country, and now, it has a new mission in the new year.
"Saves me money."
It's clear from the moment you push your cart into the grocery store at Fare and Square that produce is front and center.
Beverly McKinney says, "I'm here either every day or every other day."
On the top of Beverly McKinney's shopping list, those bright, fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Bananas, potatoes, all kinds of fruits and vegetables… cantaloupe which is my favorite."
Now, she can walk away with free produce every week.
"So I'll take two today."
Fare and Square is now offering Carrot Card members incentives to choose healthier options in 2016.
The grocery store has already given away bananas, apples, potatoes, onions and more.
Vice President of Operations, Mike Basher says, "We want to get more fruits and vegetables into their diet, get them used to it, get them sampling it, and just trying to get them to feel a little bit healthier."
Fare and Square has also started a new rewards program.
Members who buy produce get an additional three-percent off that can be applied to all future purchases. And some members, depending on household income, can get up to 10-percent back.
Basher says, "They can get fresh, affordable, healthy foods every day."
Fare and Square is the nation's first full-service non-profit grocery store.
It's a program by Philabundance.
Stefanie Arck-Baynes, of Philabundance says, "Because of the fact that we're not looking to make the biggest profit, we're really looking to make the biggest impact in the community that we can."
And in Chester, it has.
The location was once a food desert, and now it looks more like an oasis.
McKinney says, "It's more convenient and it saves me money."
The Carrot Club membership is free, you just have to sign up to reap the rewards.
Fare and Square is located at 9th and Trainer Streets in Chester. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.
