MEMPHIS, Tenn — With an arctic blast set to hit the city on Saturday, Jan. 13, Memphians flocked to grocery stores during the week to make sure their pantries and refrigerators are full.
Management for Superlo Foods on Spottswood Avenue said their big sellers are what most people would expect: milk, bread, eggs, canned goods and even sodas.
“The weather is going to be horrible; I hope it’s not, but it’s convinced us to go to the grocery store and wipe them out,” said shopper Jim Gordon with a laugh.
Shoppers focused a lot on non-perishable items like canned chili, vegetables and soup. Those non-perishable foods are especially crucial in the case of lost power.
“I went shopping yesterday as well, so today is the second day for me to shop,” said mother of two Kendra Dailey. “I’ll probably get a few more things.”
But some people cannot make it to the grocery store at all. For those in need, the outreach program 901 Community Fridges has fully functioning refrigerators around Memphis stocked with free, donated food.
“The grocery stores are of course going to sell out, but then there are a lot of people in the community that can’t afford groceries,” said founder L.J. Abraham. “So, I think it’s super important that we keep these filled so they have access to food.”
901 Community Fridges has three locations: First Congo church in Cooper-Young, 685 South Highland Street near Orange Mound and 360 Tillman in Binghampton.
Abraham encourages Memphians to not only buy food for their families, but for others. Especially with the extreme cold on its way.
