The Grocery Spot — Local services in Atlanta

*update response to the owner - As a employee who was invited to attend per your business flyer, I’m disgusted and disappointed to tell you I’ve not had the unfortunate opportunity to interact with you in any way. My general and quite specific concern is for the safety of others including yourself. As stated these are well known observations and now documented. Even your response is aggressive, loud and wrong. It’s disappointing that you’re creating such a venomous and untrue narrative on this platform. As previously stated your behavior has been the ongoing issue. I’ve only bore witness to how you disrespect and treat others. Let’s be honest and state the facts as previously mentioned. Your response actually speaks to your state of being and in fact are half truths regarding the interaction I witnessed where shoppers were not cussing, being violent, and indeed did not threaten you or anyone else; Always the Caucasian narrative, African Americans are violent to mask the truth. You should be ashamed of yourself. The real question is what are you going to do about the numerous complaints you’ve received or should I launch my concerns above you? I’m not dropping this issue and I’m definitely not letting you off the hook, forgiven yes, just not forgotten. So say what you must as I do what must. You really never know who you’re entertaining in passing at a food pantry. We’re not all socially oppressed and actually have a moral compass.

• Original message - To the gentleman having another obviously scattered day, screaming, pointing and advising people they don’t have to come back when asked a question you should be in the back with the boxes unpacking. I DO NOT like the way you engage with those who are shopping for their families. Several people have engaged in conversation about your contrite attitude including many people I work with and suggested come visit. Some may not take the time or even feel it’s worth sharing to launch a concern. So for those who haven’t I will. Since you felt compelled to tell me you own this establishment let me share… It’s great that you own a place that receives donations from all over Georgia to give to those in a temporary place of need; However, talking to adults in a disrespectful manor can and will only add to the threatening environment you’re creating. Let it be noted these were gifts for you to gift. You are in a place of leadership and should behave as a servant leader. Your actions have in no way displayed leadership or stewardship when dealing with human beings. I’m praying that each encounter you have in doing your daily task that you have chosen as the owner in dealing with those in need brings you the spirit of compassion. YOUR tone when talking AT OTHER ADULTS is disruptive to an otherwise, normally peaceful shopping experience. I challenge you to be the peace you expect of others as it starts...

I just had the worst experience at this free for ALL market. Tuesday mornings are for seniors 65 and older. My mother who is 65 wanted to go to this market because like everyone else is in need of help. Food stamps benefits for seniors are a joke and with rent and 3 growing children I can not supplement her needs all the time. Tuesday morning rolls around and I get up early to usher my kids off to school and get my mother and sister. As soon as we pull up we are greeted by A noisy neighbor and a fellow I presume is a volunteer. There was no good morning greeting it was just 'hey this is for 65 and older' and my mother proceeded to tell them both that she was 65. I open the trunk to get her wagon and chair out and the neighbor continued that we couldn't park there. Mind you there are signs posted that you cant park I was only preparing my mother to wait. I go park across the street and 2 more people proceeded to tell us that the market is opened to 65 and older patrons mind you there are signs posted on both sides of the street to explain the days. The neighbor took it upon herself to go inside the facility and get staff to help her harass us about my mother going in. my mom wanted to leave at that point but I wont let anyone bully us from her next meal. I asked the neighbor what was the issue and she bluntly said me!!! I do not know this woman never saw her a day in my life yet she is harassing us from getting food. Her yard was filled with boxes from the market and had the nerve to say we should go to the grocery store. I thought I was at the grocery store that could afford my mom with the necessary nutrition. One of the staff came to check on us because he saw the lady harassing us. then another guy came out and told us to wait in the car and I asked why? I've seen people wait in line before here and there is no sign that says we couldn't wait. I am so disgusted with the disposition of the staff member who obviously have a favorite patron. Needless to say we definitely left after not feeling welcomed, being harassed, being bullied, and being embarrassed by our economic hardship. This is just my experience I'm sure they have helped plenty of people in this food desert...

I want to start by saying I donate here every week that I do end up going as well as I had my mother in law donate $200 because I believe it’s a good cause. I am a disabled mother, and a college student I started going here due to being laid off because the company I worked for closed. I was also in a car crash recently that hurt my back and I attend physical therapy twice a week. Due to this I cannot move fast or carry heavy loads fast. Last Friday I attended here as usual but I was followed around by an older gentleman in a baseball cap and harassed. I had just finished filling my bag and my brothers bag. He helps me with carrying it around as I am disabled. While I was waiting with our bags out of peoples way my brother wanted to do a final walk around to see if we got everything we needed. While I’m waiting this man approached me and told me “your bags are full you need to leave” I responded with okay. When my brother came back and said he didn’t need anything else I told him to wait I need to grab a water bottle for the road as it was 98 degrees outside and the ac on the car is broken. Mind you they make you wait outside in the line while everyone is trying to get inside, in this heat. I’m dehydrated and can feel myself getting faint so I went to grab one water bottle and this guy follows me again and hears me say “oh I’m about to pass out” to another shopper and proceeds to tell me “I will put everything back if you don’t leave.” I told him I was waiting for my brother to which he responded that my brother is by the bags. Then I said okay I’m leaving. My brothers bag of groceries feeds my grandmother, and mother who are both disabled and my dad. My bag feeds my daughter and my husband. I am so grateful that this is provided for the community. This helps immensely as I have fallen on hard times. I am sure the creator of this free grocery made it for people like me. My brother and I, we do not take more than we need. We leave plenty for others. It felt especially hurtful as coming to a free grocery store is already making me feel weak and not dignified. To then be followed and harassed this way leaves no dignity...