At Fisherman’s Mark, we believe that understanding the real-life challenges of our program participants helps us better serve the community. That’s why our team recently took part in a Supermarket Sweep at Giant in New Hope—a hands-on, team-building experience designed to highlight the struggles of shopping on a limited budget while ensuring our Free MARKet food pantry stays stocked with essentials.
Dividing into teams, staff members from Fisherman’s Mark and Lambertville Academy were each assigned a different family scenario to shop for. Some teams were tasked with buying diapers and baby essentials, while others had to plan meals for a large family, shop for a senior on a fixed income, or select gluten-free items for a person with Celiac disease—all while sticking to a strict budget.
“This was such a fun and engaging way for our team to come together while also reinforcing the challenges so many families face when grocery shopping,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director. “There was a lot of strategy, a lot of laughter, and in the end, a real sense of accomplishment knowing that these groceries would go directly to those in need.”
Using a generous store credit from Giant, the teams purchased $715 worth of groceries, saving an additional $76 through careful selection and budgeting. Once the shopping was complete, everyone returned to the Free MARKet to stock the shelves with their purchases, bringing much-needed variety and essentials to the pantry.
“This was more than just a team-building event—it was a real-world exercise in the tough decisions many of our program participants face every day,” said Chayln Fisher-Watson, Social Services Manager. “It reinforced the importance of making every dollar count and the challenges of prioritizing nutrition, dietary restrictions, and household essentials when funds are limited.”
“I see the impact every day when people come to the Free MARKet and find exactly what they need—whether it’s fresh produce, gluten-free food, or baby supplies,” said Ricardo Zapata, Director of Operations. “This experience really put us in their shoes. It made us think about how hard it is to make a little money stretch, and how important it is that we keep our shelves full for the community.”
This Supermarket Sweep isn’t just for our staff—it’s also a team-building opportunity for community groups and businesses that want to make a difference. If you or your organization would like to take part in this impactful activity, reach out to Lisa Shippy Woods at (609) 397-0194 for more information.
Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious, essential groceries—no matter their circumstances. For more information, visit www.fishermansmark.org.
