Our story starts with a simple belief:
everyone deserves access to fresh, delicious food in their own neighborhood.
Our Approach
Revolutionary Retail, Food is Medicine, Community Resilience
Revolutionary Retail
Reimagining the Corner Store
We’re reimagining the corner store as a community-run market offering fresh, delicious, and locally sourced food—all 100% SNAP eligible. From breakfast to after-school snacks to family dinners, our shelves are stocked with meal kits and staple ingredients to meet real routines and real appetites.
Fresh Food, Hot Meals, One Seamless System
Here’s where it gets even more innovative: neighbors can purchase a fresh meal kit using SNAP, WIC, OTC Cards, Credit, Debit, or Cash and then walk just next door to exchange it for a hot, healthy, and delicious version prepared by the Walton Ave Resident Action Committee’s culinary workforce training kitchen. This first-in-country model fully complies with federal policy while offering a seamless pathway to a great meal.
“73% of our neighbors face real challenges when it comes to healthy eating including: working kitchens, time, access, and knowledge. Our model helps our neighbors overcome every single one of those barriers to make eating well easier for all.”
Food as Medicine
Delicious and Healthy Food
We believe food should taste good, feel good, and do good. That’s why we’re working with our health systems to expand access to fresh, nutritious ingredients that support better health outcomes without sacrificing flavor or affordability. Through partnerships and policy innovation, we’re creating one of the country’s first retail brick-and-mortar food pharmacies.
From Policy to Plate
Together, we’re unlocking new ways to connect Agriculture, SNAP, Medicaid, homecare, hospital systems, and health plan resources to fuel stronger bodies, families, and communities.
Wellness Without Barriers
We’re using real data and lived experiences to shape our menu and mission, guided by our belief that access should never be a barrier to wellness. Check out our Impact Report to learn more about our internationally published research and GroceryRx program.
“Food stamps have got to evolve, and this is the evolution.
This could blow up into something really nice.”
Charles Reeves Jr., Resident Action Committee II
Community Resilience
Built by Neighbors, for Neighbors
Our work goes beyond food. The Community Grocer was built with and by our neighbors. From the ingredients on our shelves to the programs we offer, every part of this space reflects the ideas, voices, and work of the community around it.
A Shared Space for Growth
Through partnerships with local leaders and organizations, we’ve created a shared space for learning, skill-building, and connection. Neighbors are leading workshops, running programs, and training for jobs through our nationally certified apprenticeship program that strengthens the local economy.
Power That Stays in the Community
This is what community resilience looks like. We are growing local power, investing in shared opportunity, building civic coalitions, and putting intention into every dollar, from soil to supper.
“There are systems behind this that are about so much more than food. It comes down to economic justice and housing justice and racial justice.”
Annual Impact Report
Our Team
It all begins with people. Our team brings together deep community roots and wide-ranging experience to build a model shaped by and for our neighbors. We believe lasting change happens through collaboration and that it truly does “take a village.”
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Co-Founder and CEO
Alexandre Imbot is a sustainability advocate and community collaborator who has been recognized by the Rockefeller Foundation as an inaugural Big Bets Fellow for the United States and by Forbes as a 30 Under 30 Honoree.
His work began in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood in 2019, alongside local leaders Charles and Tammy Reeves. There, he co-created the Futures Beyond Refining project with the Penn Program in Environmental Humanities, focusing on environmental justice and community visioning in South Philadelphia.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (2020) with a degree in sustainability and environmental management, Alex is passionate about building better systems through co-creation, equity, market based solutions, and long-term partnership.
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Co-Founder and President
Eli Moraru is an award-winning social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to food justice and neighborhood-led change.
A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (2021), Eli has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree in the Social Impact Category, by the Philadelphia Business Journal as an Inno Under 25 Honoree, awarded the Inaugural Penn President's Sustainability Prize by the University of Pennsylvania, and has been featured on MSNBC, NowThis, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and NPR, among others.
With roots in political activism and a love for all things food, Eli brings a people-powered approach to building systems that work for everyone.
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Workforce Consultant
Chef Joy Parham is a culinary educator, food justice advocate, and industry leader who blends professional excellence with a passion for community change. A finalist on Hell’s Kitchen and competitor on Food Network.
As a Culinary and Hospitality Instructor she is dedicated to creating equitable pathways into the food industry.
For Joy, food is not just nourishment—it’s a tool for empowerment, cultural connection, and transformation.
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Institutional Relations and Administrative Director
Sophie Keane brings nearly a decade of experience with community-based organizations, mutual aid networks, and activist groups across Los Angeles, Paris, and Philadelphia to her work at The Community Grocer.
Most recently, she served as Institutional Relations Manager at MANNA, where she led the organization’s funding strategy and helped secure over $2 million in annual grant support. Passionate about advancing food sovereignty and fighting food apartheid, Sophie is proud to use her grant writing and fundraising skills to support TCG’s mission in Southwest Philadelphia and beyond.
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General Manager
Issa James is a Southwest Philly native and considers herself a “James of All Trades And A Master of A Few.” She is a pastry chef by trade, and has spent the last decade of her career working in cafe and restaurant management (with a few years spent working in IT and the comics industry).
As a Saul Alumni, she understands the importance of agricultural education, green spaces, and food accessibility within urban communities.
Coming from a family of farmers, she spent her childhood summers growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that her parents used to help supplement their household with fresh food when needed. Passing on her knowledge to friends and neighbors, she understands first hand the importance and impact that gardening can contribute to producing healthier environments for everyone.
She is honored to step into this leadership position with The Community Grocer to help support her community with care, creativity, and connection helping support TCG’s mission.
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Chef De Cuisine
Samir Y. Hernandez is a culinary professional whose career reflects steady growth from foundational kitchen roles to leadership rooted in both execution and education. After building strong techniques in fast-paced restaurant environments, he expanded into culinary instruction at the Philabundance Community Kitchen, where he led over 30 cohorts, mentored more than 250 students, and achieved a 100% ServSafe certification pass rate. Across his experience, he has contributed to menu development, high-volume production, and the implementation of systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
Guided by values of accountability, clear communication, and shared ownership Samir brings a mission-driven approach to hospitality, creating environments where teams can perform at a high level and sustain long-term success.
Our Board of Directors
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Dr. Akira Drake Rodriguez
She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design. Her research focuses on how marginalized communities reclaim urban spaces to gain political power, with an emphasis on food justice and equity. Akira's expertise supports The Community Grocer's mission to advance community-led change.
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Darryl Blakey
As the Manager of Government Affairs at BASF Corporation, he leads engagement strategies with government officials, regulatory bodies, and business organizations across North America. With a strong background in policy advising and legislative affairs, Darryl brings valuable insight into regulatory processes and strategic planning to The Community Grocer.
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Rachel Greengas
As the Global Director of Sustainability, Strategic Impact at FMC Corporation, she leads initiatives to achieve the company's environmental sustainability goals. With a strong background in project management, risk evaluation, and general management, Rachel’s strategic problem-solving skills support TCG's mission to expand access to fresh, nutritious food and build resilient community infrastructure.
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Alpa Shah
She is the Founder and CEO of To Empower Women (ToEW), a nonprofit dedicated to training women for remote job opportunities. With a background in chemical engineering and an Executive MBA from Purdue University, Alpa previously led 1st American Systems and Services, managing multimillion-dollar government contracts. Her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen are invaluable to The Community Grocer's growth.
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Mary Jones
She is the Director of Legislation and Policy for Councilmember Jamie Gauthier in Philadelphia's 3rd Council District. With a background in law and urban planning, she has worked extensively on zoning, land use, and affordable housing initiatives. Mary's expertise informs The Community Grocer's policy and advocacy efforts.
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Greg Goldman
He is a nonprofit executive and talent strategist with deep experience in organizational leadership and community development. He serves as the Chief Development Officer of the Please Touch Museum and as an Adjunct Professor in the Urban Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania. Greg brings expertise in nonprofit strategy, recruitment, and execution to The Community Grocer’s board, helping guide the organization’s long-term growth.
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Dr. Saba Khan
She is a pediatrician and health equity advocate focused on connecting healthcare with nutrition access in underserved communities. She serves as Director of the Food Pharmacy at CHOP and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Khan earned her medical degree from King’s College London and brings deep experience in pediatric obesity, food insecurity, and community-centered care to The Community Grocer’s board.
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Randy Kunkle
As the Senior Vice President and Regional CRA Manager at M&T Bank, where he develops and implements programs to meet the credit and banking needs of low- to moderate-income populations. His experience in community reinvestment initiatives strengthens The Community Grocer's financial strategies.
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Pastor Terrilynn Donnell
She is the Executive Director of Community of Compassion Inc., overseeing daily operations, finances, and strategic planning. Her leadership in fundraising, marketing, and human resources drives mission-aligned strategies, making her a pivotal asset to The Community Grocer's board.
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Michael Banks
He is a Philly native & forward-thinking Executive with a proven track record of driving financial transformation and social impact. Over the past decade, he has successfully turned around organizations, secured over $35M in funding, and built powerful public-private partnerships that uplift communities and advance economic equity. Michael will continue building bridges between sectors and maximizing The Community Grocer’s impact as a board member.
Walton Ave Resident Action Committee
The Resident Action Committee brings together neighbors and local organizations, creating a platform for those who live and work in the neighborhood to have a direct say in TCG’s development and operations.
Responsibilities include:
Voting on important matters related to the operation of TCG
Selecting and developing programming for the community space based on what the neighborhood wants and needs
Planning menus that fit the tastes and preferences of the local community
Overseeing the workforce development programs hosted in the space
Collaborating on various initiatives aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of the communityoverall wellbeing of the community
By leveraging local expertise, TCG ensures that initiatives are rooted in the community’s real needs and knowledge, respecting and uplifting the strengths of community members.
TCG in the News
See what local and national media are saying about our model, mission, and movement growing here in Southwest Philly.
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WHYY - Even before its official opening, a West Philly grocery store with a brave new service model has been helping neighbors in need
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Forbes 30 Under 30 - The Community Grocer announced as Social Impact Honoree
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Philadelphia Phillies Announce Community Hero Awards - The Community Grocer Recieves $40,000 Award
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Morning Joe: New Program Tackles the Problem of Food Deserts (05/22/25)
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Philadelphia City Council's Food and Nutrition Task Force Appointed The Community Grocer
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The Philadelphia Citizen: "So Much More Than Food" (01/30/2024)
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The Community Grocer named as 1/12 of The Rockefeller Foundations U.S. Big Bets Fellows
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34th Street: Bringing Everyone Back to the Table
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Penn Today: Class of 2022 President’s Engagement Prize
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Penn Today: Corner Store Revolution
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Discussing Food Insecurity, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Unconventional Fruits with Full Harvest Founder Christine Moseley
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Silver Medal Winners: 2023 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Award
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Penn Today: Winners of President’s Sustainability Prize are making a difference for people and the planet, TCG Short Film
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The Social Music Movement Podcast: LIVE on GlocaWear Radio (06/28/2023)
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The Daily Pennsylvanian: Sustainable Nonprofit Grocer To Break Ground in Cobbs Creek (09/13/2023)
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Venture Lab: The Community Grocer: Bridging Food Justice and Community Health Equity (09/13/2023)
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Philadelphia Today: Community Grocer, Founded By Penn Alumni, Coming to West Philadelphia (09/18/2023)
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Yahoo Finance: M&T Bank Partners with The Community Grocer to Address Food Access and Insecurity In Philadelphia (9/20/2023)
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WHYY: Penn grads to launch reimagined corner store for Philly families in need (9/20/2023)
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Telemundo 62: Nuevo mercado podría impactar a participantes de SNAP en Filadelfia (09/20/2023)
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The Philadelphia Inquirer: SNAP Recipients are denied hot food. These Penn grads found a hack with a new kind of corner store (09/23/2023)
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The Philadelphia Inquirer: The Community Grocer's Founders Get National Attention from SNAP Plans (09/30/2023)
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The Good News Podcast: The Community Grocer, A New Project in West Philadelphia Aims to Make Healthy, Yummy, and Prepared Food Available to Those That Need It (09/26/2023)
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Now This: 'You can get a bag of Skittles with your EBT card, but you cannot get scrambled eggs' (10/14/2023)
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34th Street Magazine: From Hot Pockets to Hot Meals (11/13/2023)
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The 215 on Fox29: Redefining Corner Stores (11/14/2023)
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MSNBC, The Katie Phang Show: The Sky is The Limit To What We Can Become (11/26/2023)
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WTOP News: 2 DC Natives Tackling Food Insecurity in Philadelphia with a new grocery store (11/27/2023)
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The Philadelphia Business Journal: Honoring the 2024 Top Partners in Philanthropy (02/13/2024)
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Salisbury Post: “Food stamp recipients are busy workers and busy parents just like the rest of us” (04/04/2024)
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The Philadelphia Business Journal: Announcing the 2024 PHL Inno Under 25 honorees
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The Philadelphia Business Journal: See How 25 Companies Teamed Up with Local Nonprofits to Uplift Greater Philadelphia (04/11/2024)
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The Philadelphia Business Journal: 2024 Inno Under 25 (04/25/2024)
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Penn & Philly: Reimagining the Corner Store with The Community Grocer (07/12/2024)
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Ballard Spahr - The Community Grocer: Advancing 'Food Justice' and Nutrition in Philadelphia
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James Beard Foundation: Announcing the Fall 2024 Chef Bootcamp Participants -- Chef Joy Parham, The Community Grocer
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McClinton, Williams secure $1.75 million+ for west, southwest Philadelphia projects
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Chester County United Way champions social innovation at LionCage Pitch Competition: The Community Grocer Wins Best in Show & Social Impact Awards
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Fox 29: A local nonprofit is preparing to open its first corner store in West Philadelphia where it will focus on providing fresh and nutritious meal kits, in the hope of eliminating food insecurity.
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GLBL Radio: Episode 2 with Eli Moraru
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Penn OMNIA: Alums are taking on the challenge of food insecurity locally and on a national scale (Winter 2024)
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Food4Philly: Long Term Impact and Strategic Innovations with The Community Grocer
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LIVE from WPPM 106.5 - The Looking Forward Show with Jeffrey Abramowitz
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The Philadelphia Business Journal: Honoring the 2025 Top Partners in Philanthropy - M&T Bank x The Community Grocer
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Celebrating Creativity: The Community Grocer - Follow-Up from 2024 LionCage Winner with CCEDC
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Pennsylvania Invests $3.4 Million to Boost Fresh Food Access Statewide
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The Philadelphia Citizen: Tell Your Senators That Philly and PA Need SNAP (06/18/2025)
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Be The Good Media - Reinventing the Corner Store with Eli Moraru
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Six nonprofits selected to join the AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator
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PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL’S FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS NEW APPROACH TO FOOD ACCESS IN PHILADELPHIA
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Penn graduates named to 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 social impact list for founding food-justice nonprofit
Awards & Recognitions
These awards reflect the commitment of our neighbors, the strength of our partnerships, and the innovation behind our model that blends food access, workforce development, and health equity. We’re honored to be recognized by these partners and organizations.
Our Journey
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The Community Grocer started on the block, understanding the realities of our food system by listening to the expertise of our neighbors. Co-founders Eli Moraru and Alexandre Imbot took the voices of our community to the Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic to develop an innovative model to meet our neighbors in their daily routines: allowing SNAP recipients to utilize their benefits to walk away with hot, healthy, prepared meals through partnership in full compliance of federal policy.
This gave birth to The Community Grocer, which was awarded the 2022 University of Pennsylvania Presidents Sustainability Prize — launching the idea to reality.
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With the support of our first corporate sponsors (M&T Bank and the FMC Corporation) the team purchased 627 S. 60th Street to launch our flagship location.
Our groundbreaking ceremony attracted national attention — positioning us as national leaders in food system innovation work.
We continued to expand our vision, building a model that integrates workforce development, food is medicine, and community resilience under one roof.
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Construction began on our flagship location while our vision continued to grow. We became poised to to become America’s first brick & mortar retail food pharmacy, integrating Food is Medicine, Workforce Development, and Community Resilience into our model.
This turned into community led research with Penn Medicine, the growth of our team and partners, the creation of our workforce development program, and the growth of our Resident Action Committee.
From MSNBC to the Philadelphia Citizen, our community continued to light the path for our future.
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As construction continues for our 2026 launch, progress continues.
We were appointed to the Philadelphia City Council's Food and Nutrition Security Task Force, joined as the first non-national members on the Alliance to End Hunger, and were named 1/12 of the Rockefeller Foundations Big Bets Fellows for the United States.
Our workforce development curriculum was approved as a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program — creating opportunities for a no-barrier to entry pathway for lifelong careers.
The CHANGE Study, our co-created research with our neighbors and Penn Medicine became published internationally.
Our partnerships grew from soil to supper with support from local regenerative organic farmers, food rescue operators, advocacy organizations, houses of worship, health systems, insurers, sports teams, foundations, and more.
Today, we are a few short months away from opening our doors to provide our community with persistent access to nutritious, local, farm-fresh ingredients. We are poised to become America’s first brick & mortar food pharmacy, bringing intention into our food & health systems to support local economic development, civic engagement, and our entire community from soil to supper.
The journey is just beginning, and with your support we will ensure that everyone has access to the ingredients they need to live stronger, healthier lives.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Hear directly from our team on our progress, challenges, and what’s next. Read our recent newsletter.