Congresswoman Alma Adams Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Renaissance Community Co-op

Greensboro, NC—Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) made the following statement regarding the grand opening of the Renaissance Community Co-op.

“Today’s grand opening speaks to the strength and the resolve of the Northeast Community and our entire City” said Congresswoman Adams. “Together, we have labored through the years to make the Renaissance Community Co-Op a reality.

“My office is proud to have supported the RCC by pushing for much needed federal funding and advocating for the RCC in the halls of Congress. Today’s opening proves that our city is a leader and innovator in the fight to end hunger.

“I commend the community, the city of Greensboro, Self Help and all the many organizations that assisted in bringing this vision to fruition. We have much to be proud of with this vital addition to the community.”

Prior to the opening of the Renaissance Community Co-op, Northeast Greensboro had been classified as a “food desert” for 18 years following the loss of the grocery store on Phillips Ave in 1998. For five years, community leaders have worked to bring a grocery store to the area to provide jobs, healthy food options, and community wealth. The co-op is owned by over 1,000 local residents who have the opportunity to weigh in on the products sold in the store, serve on the Board of Directors, and help determine how the profits from the store will be invested. The store is open to the public 8am-8pm daily.

Last April, Congresswoman Adams launched the Adams Hunger Initiative to address this very issue. The Food Research & Action Center consistently rates Greensboro-High Point as one of the most food-insecure areas of the country, coming in at ninth place nationally in their 2016 list. According to the USDA, Greensboro is home to numerous census tracts classified as “food deserts."