Harvest on Main Community Market in Sharpsburg’s business district just logged its first month since opening its doors, and operations are going smoothly, according to volunteers.
The only hiccup thus far is an apparent delay in being able to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Bonnie DeMotte, executive director of Harvest on Main, confirmed they applied to SNAP more than a month ago but noted the federal application process is moving slowly.
In the meantime, customers and volunteers alike are aware of the market’s impact.
Harvest on Main, which opened March 2, is the only market in the borough offering fresh produce. The store includes an on-site kitchen with daily specials such as made-to-order sandwiches, sides and soups.
Katie Mihm of Harmar is just one of the smiling volunteer faces customers can expect to see at the store. She is embracing everything the market has to offer the community of Sharpsburg and beyond.
“I read about it in the Fox Chapel Herald, and here I am volunteering,” Mihm said.
What started as a dream years ago for DeMotte is now a reality as the market eradicates what was once a food desert in the borough.
Sourdough focaccia bread is baked daily. Dietz & Watson meats include uncured ham off the bone, roasted turkey breast, Buffalo chicken breast and Italian (ham, salami and pepperoni).
Grab-and-go meals and bakery items are made in-house.
On a recent Wednesday, Fox Chapel Area High School student and volunteer Ava Tramontina was mixing up large quantities of freshly made sides such as Uncle Tony’s Bean Salad.
The Fox Chapel resident was putting in time toward her community service hours.
Other grab-and-go sides include tuna salad, yogurt parfait, Caprese pasta salad, sweet and spicy peanut noodles, egg salad, grilled chicken Caesar salad and wraps featuring chicken BLT, chicken Caesar and tuna salad.
Harvest shopper Jennifer Mackey of Fox Chapel plans to pop in weekly to pick up specialty items and produce.
“The whole experience shopping at Harvest on Main is positive,” Mackey said. “As soon as I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff. The space is open and bright. I absolutely love the selection of items available.”
Mackey said her favorites so far is the focaccia bread and the Italian wedding soup.
“I’m so happy for our community that Harvest on Main is open,” Mackey said.
Sharpsburg Mayor Kayla Portis said she enjoys the homemade pierogies and said airfrying is her preferred method of cooking.
“They turned out perfect,” Portis said.
The pierogies, Nephew Chris’ Pierogies, are made by Chris Condrin, Harvest on Main’s prepared foods manager.
The name is a nod to Condrin’s uncle, the late Tom Hartman, who previously operated Brother Tom’s Bakery in the building.
The open and airy space offers grocery store items such as boxed goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, canned goods, dairy items, custom potted plants, snacks, drinks and a sit-down casual island space for working or dining.
The new signature flora pattern featured on Harvest’s windows, its deli paper and more was created by Pittsburgh artist Claire Durr.
Bill Cox, aka “Wild Bill,” a resident of Sharpsburg for 45 years, is becoming a frequent shopper at Harvest on Main.
“I have been treated with respect and was presented with products and food choices with which I resonate,” Cox said. “My favorite items are the London broil roast beef and the grilled chicken with Thai rice prepared meal.”
For Cox, having a fresh foods grocery store option in the borough is a long time coming.
“I’m favorably impressed by Bonnie’s efforts. It’s a new business model, one which I hope will help build Sharpsburg’s autonomy and standing among its nearby neighbors,” he said.
SNAP benefits up next
As of press time, market volunteers said the implentation of EBT/SNAP benefits hadn’t happened yet, but staff members are hopeful the process will be completed soon.
All Harvest on Main goods are priced below market value.
The store is for everyone, and folks living outside Sharpsburg are welcome to stop in and shop.
Harvest on Main Community Market, 808 Main St., Sharpsburg