Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery Opens First Store in Seattle's South Park. Recognized by the White House in 2012 for their Efforts Addressing 'Food Desert' Communities

SEATTLE, WA, August 17, 2012

Seattle-based entrepreneurs, Carrie Ferrence and Jacqueline Gjurgevich, are opening their first official Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery on August 15, 2012, in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. Stockbox is a business-based solution created to address the problem of "food deserts" - areas without easy access to fresh and affordable food choices. The store is located in the main business district at 8520 14th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108.

"The USDA reports that 23 million Americans live in food deserts," said Carrie Ferrence, co-founder of Stockbox. "If you have to take a 45-minute bus ride to get to the nearest grocery store, and there's a handful of fast food and gas station or convenience stores within walking distance, it makes it extremely difficult to find good meal solutions. Our pilot program last fall showed us that there was an overwhelming amount of interest and support from people in the community."

This new store location will be an extension of the outreach that Stockbox has already done to increase access to good food inside urban communities, which began with the launch of a prototype store in the Delridge community of Seattle in Fall 2011. That pilot store, and Stockbox's efforts to launch a 'good food revolution,' gained national and international attention, including coverage in the New York Times and Fast Company. Stockbox has already been recognized by The White House, and recently spoke in Washington D.C. at the Slow Money National Gathering.

"Most families buy the same five to 20 items each week, so they only need to go to a huge grocery store once or twice a month," said Jacqueline Gjurgevich, co-founder of Stockbox Grocers. "Stockbox will provide a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy, and grocery staples, from local and organic farmers whenever possible, and will make it easy for people to get grocery staples each day, including grab-and-go meals and snacks, with a variety of fresh foods to try."

Stockbox's mission is to bring good food options back into communities - like an old-fashioned corner store, but with a modern, fresh twist. With plans to eventually open multiple locations in other communities, Stockbox stores are designed to be friendly and welcoming, and will be located inside reclaimed shipping containers or retrofitted storefronts throughout urban areas.

Stockbox is partnering with The Hope Heart Institute, based in Bellevue, Wash., to provide educational materials and brochures in stores that highlight good lifestyle habits, and are also working together to plan events that will increase awareness in the community.

"There are studies showing that people living in communities with limited access to good grocery stores, but live within close range of fast food, are more likely to get heart disease, diabetes and cancer," said Mark Nudelman, President and CEO of The Hope Heart Institute. "The Hope Heart does its best to educate in these communities and within the schools, but without access to the right foods, the kids and families aren't able to make changes. Stockbox is a great solution to this problem, and we feel will be strongly embraced in these communities."

Upcoming Events
Store Opening: Wednesday, August 15th (Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday, August 25th (Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

For more information about these events or for interview inquiries, please contact Wendy Ogunsemore at 206-718-4382 or wendy@247strategies.com.

STOCKBOX GROCERS
Stockbox Grocers is a for-profit company focused on bringing good food options to 'food desert' communities. Stockbox won 2nd place overall and was awarded Best Idea for Retail/Service Business at the 2011 UW Business Plan Competition (out of more than 100 start-ups from the Northwest). In addition, its owners earned the opportunity to receive intensive coaching through the Herbert B. Jones Milestone Achievement Awards, which pairs Stockbox with business mentors. Most recently, its owners were invited to the White House, presented at the Slow Money National Gathering, pitched at the Seattle Angels Conferences and became finalists for the Echoing Green fellowship for social entrepreneurs. http://www.stockboxgrocers.com @stockboxgrocers

THE HOPE HEART INSTITUTE
The Hope Heart Institute has a 50-year history of revolutionary cardiovascular research and education, and is based in the Pacific Northwest. Hope Heart is dedicated to preventing and treating heart and blood vessel disease to improve the quality of life for all at risk or affected by cardiovascular disease, and is very proactive in early prevention and overall wellness education. http://www.hopeheart.org @HopeHeart