Well this is a bummer. I get that #FoodStamp fraud prevention is important, but I think the penalty was too harsh. And apparently, the local grocer was unable to bounce back. When I worked for the Reiche School Library, I admired what a gem Fresh Approach was for the neighborhood. Kids and teachers would gather there after school. It was (and still is) a hopping little place. And while I would love to see another local grocery store or a food co-op go into that space, considering the rent increases in #PortlandME because of #gentrification, that probably isn't going to happen.

#FreshApproach market in Portland’s West End will close

Chet and Peggy Knights say they weren’t able to overcome the loss in business after their SNAP license was revoked.

by Peggy Grodinsky, May 13, 2026

" 'With deep regret and broken hearts,” grocers Chet and Peggy Knights announced on social media Wednesday that they are closing Fresh Approach, their longtime West End store.
The Knights have run the classic neighborhood market, located on Brackett Street opposite Reiche Elementary School, for 34 years.
'I’m very sad to hear the news,' said Reiche teacher Kevin Brewster, who was waiting at the lunch counter for his meatball sandwich at noon Wednesday. 'It’s a neighborhood institution.' "

[...]

"The store lost its license to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in February 2025, after an undercover compliance agent was able to purchase ineligible nonfood items. Their Facebook post acknowledged the wrongdoing, and noted that after 11 months, the Knights were able to renew the license.

"But that long stretch without 'a very big part of our business' took its toll. A neighborhood-sponsored GoFundMe campaign helped the beloved store survive the immediate crisis, but even at the time, the Knights said they were unsure it would be enough to save the store."

https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/13/fresh-approach-market-in-portlands-west-end-will-close/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/3xduI

#MaineNews #NeighborhoodStores #FoodDeserts #FreshFood #Maine

Ton/Ta Jean/Jeans/Gin Tagine/Tajine??? What’s this language!: https://www.aurianneor.org/tonta-jeanjeansgin-taginetajine-whats-this/

#Algeria #arts #cheap #cooking #Cookingrecipe #cuisine #culinaryarts #delicious #Denim #easy #easycooking #easyrecipe #electrictagine #electrictajine #electricaloutlet #freshfood #funny #gin #healthy #healthycooking #homemade #inexpensive #inspiration #jeans #learntocook #Marocco #nokitchen #Photomontage #popular #realfood #recipe #RyanGosling #seasonal #tagine #tajine #Tefal #Tefaltajine

Not a proper focaccia, but deliciously rich, warm, springy, and chewy. Seasoned with rosemary and sun dried tomato. Served with a mixture of olive oil, aged balsamic, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.

#bread #baking #homemade #freshfood

You can tell I don't get out much. 🙄

This vending machine was in the lobby of Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. It has actual, real food in it! My friend got Korean noodles and dumplings for lunch!

Mind blown.

#ModernTech #FreshFood #amazed

The snack bars I made earlier in the week have lasted well. I will have to make another batch soon.

#baking #homemade #freshfood #feelgood #Selfsufficiency #oats

Chickens are laying well, so the eggs are being used for a quiche today with some cheese, bacon, peppers, and courgette and a beetroot leaf salad from the garden. I might make a cake later on if I feel up to it.

#baking #homemade #freshfood #feelgood #quiche #cooking

Chinese Fakeaway tonight. Sweet and sour chicken balls in batter, beef with ginger, and egg fried rice. Just enough left over for my dinner tomorrow.

#cooking #food #homemade #fakeaway #freshfood

Small human wanted pizza for tea, so I made a bacon pizza and an ostrich and paprika pizza. Also made a crusty boule for tomorrow.

#bread #baking #homemade #freshfood