PHOTOS BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

During a media preview of Millvale Market on Nov. 4, the first grocer in the borough in more than two decades, organizers ditched the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and instead placed fresh produce in a basket.

Bursting with fruits, vegetables and flowers, the cornucopia served as a visual reminder of what’s in store for local residents when the business opens in early 2023.

Jen Saffron, the owner of nearby Sprezzatura Cafe, and Derek Dumont, the former buyer for farm-delivery company Harvie, will run the shop at 524 Grant Ave.

The 1,900-square-foot space, located in the ground-floor space that once held Tazza D’oro coffee shop, will operate daily and sell locally sourced fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks, coffee, refrigerated prepared foods and other essential items. Currently, Millvale residents must head out of the borough to stock their shelves. 

State Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Lawrenceville, who grew up in and now serves the area, called Millvale Market the “missing piece” to an already amazing neighborhood. 

“If there’s one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic taught us over the last two years, it’s that grocery stores are truly essential,” said Jessica Borger, vice president of programs and development, for The Food Trust. 

Founded in 1992, the Pennsylvania-based Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure nutritious eats are accessible to all.

Millvale Market also received a $45,000 seed grant from The Food Trust and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to establish access to fresh produce in the underserved area. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds will be accepted on site. 

While living in New Orleans, Dumont ran a similar market that relies on local growers for a large part of its inventory. Millvale Market will work with regional farms such as Tiny Seed Farm in Hampton, Jarosinski Farm in Sarver, Clarion River Organics and be.wild.er farm and Blackberry Meadows Farm, both in Natrona Heights.

Stay up to date on the grand opening by following Millvale Market on social media and tuning into “Saffron and Sass,” a Facebook Live cooking show co-hosted by Saffron and nutrition expert Leslie Bonci.