NORFOLK, Va. — A grocery store that was severely damaged by a fire in 2022, turning a low-income Norfolk community into a food desert, re-opened with much celebration Saturday morning.
People walked inside to find free food, free gifts and activities for children as a way to welcome everyone back to the newly renovated Family Dollar located on Church Street,
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It's the first time people have been back inside for over a year. Shariff Hassan, Zone Vice President for Family Dollar, said he wanted the return to feel like a party.
"We're so excited to be back!" said Hassan. "We understand we are serving the community, we recognize the impact that it made not having us here and we are so excited to be back."
In 2022, the Family Dollar caught on fire. Fire investigators believe the store was intentionally set ablaze.
As one of the only walkable grocery stores in the area, advocates said the loss of the Family Dollar created a food desert in one of Norfolk's most vulnerable areas. Already, 11% of people in the region faced food insecurity.
Those who visited the newly re-opened store said they had been waiting for this day.
"Every day, every day I prayed for it to re-open," said one neighbor. "I've had to walk all the way down to Booker T. just to go to the store. And for someone who is elderly like me, that's a long walk."
While the Family Dollar was being rebuilt, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore held multiple food distribution events and mobile pantries to help the impacted neighborhood. Family Dollar said it recently donated $25,000 to the Foodbank and matched all contributions in December.
The new store now boasts an extended freezer section, alongside new merchandise additions, and taller shelves.
"The lights are on, the doors are open, and we are truly thrilled to be back in this community," said Hassan.
The store’s hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.