**The ribbon cutting for Fairmount Five Market.** PHOTO: COURTESY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL

Council Member Adams-Stafford Hosts Ribbon Cutting for ‘Fairmount Five Market’

As grocery prices continue to climb and many Prince George’s County residents struggle with the lingering impact of federal layoffs and inflation, local leaders are unveiling a new initiative designed to tackle one of the county’s most persistent challenges: food insecurity.

“Since I took office, creating thriving communities with access to healthy food has been a top priority,” said Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford. “Now, more than ever, we need ways to connect our residents to free, healthy food sources in a convenient and respectful manner. I’m proud to partner with Goodr and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System to bring this initiative to life.”

On Thursday, May 28, Prince George’s County Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford will host the grand opening of the Fairmount Five Market, a free grocery shopping experience located inside the Fairmount Heights Branch Library. The initiative, developed through a partnership between Goodr and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, is designed to provide weekly groceries to up to 200 families in District 5.

Founded in 2017, Goodr operates more than 30 grocery store-style hunger relief locations across 19 states and focuses on reducing both food insecurity and food waste. The Fairmount Heights site marks the company’s first Maryland location.

County officials say the market represents more than a food giveaway program. Instead, it is part of a broader effort to address the county’s long-standing food desert crisis while restoring dignity to families facing difficult economic conditions.

The new market, located at the Fairmount Heights Branch Library on Kolb Street, will allow residents to select groceries in a store-like setting rather than receiving pre-packed food boxes. Organizers say this approach removes much of the stigma often associated with traditional food pantries.

The opening comes as food insecurity remains a serious concern throughout Prince George’s County. According to county Health Department data included in the announcement, 12 percent of county residents are considered food insecure, while nearly 20 percent of children live in households struggling to consistently access nutritious meals.

Those numbers reflect a broader issue that has challenged many communities throughout the county for decades. Large portions of Prince George’s County, particularly inside the Beltway communities, have long suffered from limited access to full-service grocery stores offering fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and healthy proteins. Residents in communities such as Fairmount Heights, Capitol Heights, Seat Pleasant and portions of District Heights have historically relied heavily on convenience stores, smaller carryouts and distant supermarkets that often require long commutes or multiple bus transfers.

**Shayla Adams-Stafford and County Executive Aisha Braveboy.** PHOTO: COURTESY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL

Public health advocates have repeatedly warned that food deserts contribute to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, particularly among lower-income and minority communities. The lack of healthy food access has also been linked to educational challenges among children and increased healthcare costs for families already struggling financially.

Council Member Adams-Stafford said improving healthy food access has been one of her major priorities since taking office.

“Since I took office, creating thriving communities with access to healthy food has been a top priority,” Adams-Stafford said in the release. “Now, more than ever, we need ways to connect our residents to free, healthy food sources in a convenient and respectful manner.”

The Fairmount Five Market is the first of two free grocery store concepts expected to launch in Prince George’s County. A second store in District 7, led by Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, is expected to open in the coming weeks. County leaders describe the projects as a major expansion of stigma-free food access across Prince George’s communities.

Oriadha said the stores are intended to become part of a larger support infrastructure for struggling residents.

“This work has always been about reimagining what community care can look like when we lead with dignity, compassion, and long-term vision,” Oriadha said. “Our goal is not simply to provide food, but to create spaces where families feel supported, respected, and empowered.”

The initiative also reflects a growing trend nationwide of placing food access programs inside trusted community institutions such as libraries, schools and recreation centers.

Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe-Houston said the library partnership was especially meaningful because libraries already serve as trusted neighborhood gathering spaces.

“Families come here to learn, to find resources, to connect,” Crowe-Houston said. “Putting a grocery store inside PGCMLS’ Fairmount Heights branch means residents can pick up fresh produce, dairy, and proteins in a space that already belongs to them.”

The project received financial support through a $200,000 Prince George’s County Council Non-Departmental Grant secured by Adams-Stafford and awarded to the Philanthropy Players Fund on behalf of Goodr.

Participants for the program were selected earlier this year through an application process focused on demonstrated need. Nearly 200 District 5 residents were chosen, though county officials say residents may still join a waiting list for future openings. Beginning June 1, participants will be able to access groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The grand opening ceremony is expected to draw several prominent Maryland leaders, including Dawn Moore, Aisha Braveboy, Fairmount Heights Mayor Akiaba Stewart and Delegate Tiffany Alston.

For many advocates, however, the true significance of the project extends far beyond a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In a county where food deserts have persisted for generations, supporters say the Fairmount Five Market represents an effort not only to feed families, but also to restore equity, health and opportunity to underserved neighborhoods.