Rep. McClinton teams up with Greyhound Café
For some, Bartram Village public housing may seem a forgotten corner of Southwest. But they are always remembered by their state representative, Joanna McClinton who before the pandemic held periodic town meetings and cookouts there.
On Wednesday, July 15, Rep. McClinton was back under the Village’s stately trees on an errand of mercy. Taking a few moments from the busy legislative agenda in Harrisburg, she teamed up with the popular mainline vegan restaurant, Greyhound Café, to provide 50 free nutritious meals to Bartram’s apartment holders.
“While we’ve made progress in our fight to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the pandemic continues creating challenges for families, leaving many struggling to put food on the table,” said Rep. McClinton. “The folks at Greyhound and I recognize this, and we’re working together to not only feed these families but connect them with nutritious food options that both satisfy their hunger and bolster their health.”
“The purpose of our restaurant is to offer affordable plant-based food options to those who may not otherwise have access to it,” said Joseph Solar, owner of Greyhound Café which was previously on Poplar Street in the City. “When COVID-19 hit, we adjusted to the limited dining experiences and found a way to assist individuals by bringing healthy meals to them over the summer.”
Haakim Peay, a former Greyhound employee, made the connection with Solar and they have also reached out to groups in Frankford and to the Ronald McDonald House.
“Growing up in an urban community, I understand neighborhoods like mine don’t always have access to wholesome meal alternatives,” Peay said. “Through a collaborative effort, we’re providing much-needed meals, while educating people about healthy lifestyles and letting them know they do have choices, even during this pandemic.”
Solar’s continuing interest in helping out in the city is coming right from his heart. “I’m not looking for publicity on this,” he noted in a phone conversation with the Globe Times. Nevertheless, if one has a yearning for some delicious vegan food out in the Malvern area, orders can be placed at its website: www.thegreyhoundcafe.com
McClinton said food delivery participants also received information about state-related resources.
Quotations and photo for this article were graciously provided by Chris Caracino, PA House Democratic Communications Office
