While I understand the whole concept of “bottom line” quite well, I also understand that a little compassion, empathy and a small helping hand can end up reaping benefits that far surpass a few dollars.

We have record unemployment right now, I will come right out and say that our family is struggling on a single paycheck too. Our paycheck is weather dependent too so those of you living in the Southern Tier can understand where I am going with that! Every penny counts and luckily I am good at stretching a food dollar. But during the winter months when there is no work and there is little that can be produced here at the farm, I feel the same sting that many of you are feeling right now.

I stumbled across a market in Syracuse this week, The Green Hills Market. Green Hills was dubbed “The Best Little Grocery Store in America” by Inc. Magazine, and for good reason…they found their niche and they have filled it completely. From local buying to gourmet delights, this store has it all. It is, by all definition, the store I would open if I ever found to desire to. But what makes this little grocery store unique isn’t it selection, or service. At least not to me. To me it is their commitment to their loyal shoppers. Most of us have a gamut of those little grocery mega-store key tags, but this is different…this is a store with heart.

Green Hills Market has a program called the Recession Assistance Program, and after completing a short form, folks collecting NYS Unemployment Benefits will receive an extra 10% off their grocery bill each week. There are some fine print details but in all, it is simple straightforward way to help their neighbors.  If I shopped in Syracuse I would make Green Hills my go-to market. Not just because of what they have, but for this commitment to their local community.

So my question is this, if Green Hills Market can do this…why can’t others? There are certain things we all need right? We need our groceries, gas for our cars, clothing and feed for our animals. So why aren’t we helping each other more?

Frankly I am so inspired by this that I am going to make an offer to MY neighbors. If you are collecting NYS Unemployment contact me. I don’t have tons to offer, but I would happy to work out something with you for discounted or free eggs and herbs. Maybe we can even barter to help each other out? We are huge supporters of our community and we know there are others out there too…why not help each other!

To visit Green Hills Market online, visit their website at www.greenhills.com