In response to rising grocery prices and reductions in federal food assistance, the United Community Corporation (UCC) in Newark has reimagined its Champion House Food Pantry into a choice-based market designed to provide greater dignity and autonomy to those in need.

The Market at UCC, launched in July at 409 South 18th Street, operates three days a week and serves roughly 60 households daily. Unlike the traditional food pantry model, which distributes prepackaged bags of food, this format allows visitors to select their own groceries from aisles that resemble those of a grocery store. Clients can use repurposed shopping carts to gather items of their choice, a shift aimed at reducing food waste and better meeting individual needs.

Craig Marinor, UCC’s executive director, said the change was prompted by observations that some recipients discarded portions of the preassembled food bags, indicating the prior approach was not fully effective. “We’re wasting more food by giving everybody something, and some of the time they don’t need it all,” he noted.

The Market stocks staples such as dairy, grains, meats, and fresh produce, as well as a variety of nonessential items including candy and specialty beverages. Much of the inventory comes from donations by local grocery stores including Trader Joe’s, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, and Panera Bread. Selections fluctuate based on available donations. The layout and design, inspired by similar programs like the Store in Nashville, incorporate elements to create a welcoming environment, including hand-painted murals and a free flower stand.

Sarah Allen, a UCC program coordinator and former Trader Joe’s employee, played a key role in the Market’s development. She emphasized the importance of providing a dignified shopping experience, stating, “I think people should still be able to have this choice, that dignified environment where they feel comfortable and they can shop for what exactly their family needs.”

In addition to food distribution, the Market serves as a resource hub offering a free library and assistance with navigating federal aid programs. Future plans include nutrition education and cooking demonstrations, aiming to enhance food literacy among patrons.

The Market’s operational costs exceed those of the traditional pantry by approximately $200,000 annually, totaling around $500,000 each year. Tom Wiedmann, UCC’s head of communications, acknowledged the higher expenses reflect the increased effort required to organize and maintain the store setup. Marinor defended the investment, underscoring the value of dignity and choice for community members relying on such services.

Food insecurity remains a significant concern in Essex County, where more than 15 percent of residents experienced food insecurity in 2024, according to state health data. The challenge has been compounded by federal policy changes that have led to reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for many New Jersey residents.

Experts note the shift toward choice-based food pantries is gaining momentum nationwide as a means to address these challenges. Katie S. Martin, author of “Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries,” highlighted that providing clients with options reduces stigma and food waste. “When we think about how hard it is to ask for help in the first place, we want to make it a more welcoming environment and more dignified,” she said.

Patrons such as Earl Person, a retired Navy veteran, have praised the new model for its respectful atmosphere. “There’s a lot of humanity here,” he said, reflecting the Market’s goal of restoring agency to those it serves.