Everything is free at this new grocery store in central Fresno. Here’s why

Fresno has a new grocery store and everything in it is free.

The store, First Fruits Market, opened this week, a project of the Central California Food Bank. It’s on Dakota Avenue, just east of Blackstone Avenue in the City Center, a complex that provides various kinds of assistance, including shelter and food, in one place.

First Fruits Market is essentially a regular store, with carts, different departments and people bagging groceries. There are shelves of bread, a produce department, meat coolers, basics such rice and cereal, and condiments including hot sauce and mayonnaise.

There are no income requirements or proof of need required to use this supermarket, said the Food Bank’s co-CEO Natalie Caples. There are limits on how many items customers can take and can they can shop at the store two times a month.

The store is a way to lower the stigma of seeking help getting food when a family needs it, she said. Rather than being handed a box or bag of food, it also allows people to pick and choose what they want and need, including culturally appropriate foods.

“How do we offer a space that’s dignified, warm, welcoming?” she said. “Our neighbors are worth this. They are worth choice. They are worth a beautiful place to shop.”

The store is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

There is some registration required, which people can do on the spot via their phones, or ahead of time via the Food Bank’s website.

Details: First Fruits Market is at 2025 Dakota Ave. More information: www.ccfoodbank.org or 559-237-3663.