On Wednesday, July 23rd, the aisles of Giant in New Hope were alive with purpose as Fisherman’s Mark volunteers teamed up for our very first Volunteer Supermarket Sweep—a fast-paced, team-building shopping challenge designed to stock the shelves of the Free MARKet while deepening awareness of food insecurity in our community.
Armed with real-life shopping scenarios based on program participant stories, four teams of volunteers (including staffers Lauren Polito and Quinten Darling) were tasked with one mission: stretch a limited budget to meet the dietary needs, preferences, and life realities of fictional households facing real challenges. From managing diabetes on $150 for two weeks to feeding a family of five while avoiding high fructose corn syrup, each team had to shop thoughtfully, strategically, and compassionately.
“This event brought the numbers and stories we talk about to life,” said Jenn Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “Our volunteers were incredible. It’s one thing to hear about food insecurity — it’s another to try to solve it in a grocery store on a budget. We’re so grateful to everyone who participated.”
After racing through the store and sticking impressively close to their budgets, teams returned to the Free MARKet to debrief and reflect on the experience. The exercise was as eye-opening as it was enjoyable.
“Thank you for opening up the Supermarket Sweep to your volunteers!” said Rene Marinich, a longtime volunteer. “It was a great learning experience and a lot of fun. Having worked in the market for 5+ years, I didn’t find any surprises, but it was certainly sobering.”
Nick Halladay, Program Manager, echoed the enthusiasm. “It was tough to pick a winner—every team came in close to budget and made thoughtful choices. They really paid attention to the scenarios and picked items that rounded out each household’s needs.”
While this round was funded by Fisherman’s Mark’s house account, the goal of future events is to invite participating groups to contribute the shopping budget, creating a powerful combination of community service, team bonding, and education.
Interested in hosting your own Supermarket Sweep?
We’d love to bring this experience to your business, civic group, or organization. It’s fun, meaningful, and makes a real difference.
We’d love to bring this experience to your business, civic group, or organization. It’s fun, meaningful, and makes a real difference.
Visit https://fishermansmark.org/supermarket-sweep-team-building-for-a-cause/ to learn more. Email clairel@fishermansmark.org to schedule your sweep!