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Chet and Peggy Knights say they weren’t able to overcome the loss in business after their SNAP license was revoked.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