Discount Grocery Store, Daily Table, Set to Launch in Salem's Point

The not-for-profit grocery store and provider of ready-made meals will commence operations on Lafayette Street on September 8th. Daily Table, known for its pricing that falls 20 to 30 percent below typical retail rates and its inclusion of all products under SNAP benefits, has scheduled the inauguration of its 135 Lafayette Street location for September 8th, accompanied by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 9th.

SALEM, MA — Extending its decade-long mission of providing affordable and nutritious food options to underserved areas in Boston and Cambridge, a nonprofit grocery initiative is now set to arrive in Salem's Point neighborhood.

Daily Table, where prices are 20 to 30 percent lower than those of typical retailers, and where all products are eligible for coverage under SNAP benefits, is preparing to inaugurate its location at 135 Lafayette Street on September 8th, accompanied by a ribbon-cutting event scheduled for September 9th.

In an interview with Patch on Friday, CEO Rob Twyman, formerly of Whole Foods, explained that the company's objective is to provide top-notch, nourishing food to urban communities that may not have optimal access to traditional grocery stores. Additionally, they aim to cater to individuals seeking alternatives to relying solely on food banks.

We are situated in a lower-income district of Salem," he remarked. "We are directly within the community that requires our presence. Our location isn't on the outskirts of the town, nor is it in a location where access would necessitate a vehicle, despite the fact that we do offer parking."

"Our aim is to ensure affordability and accessibility to quality food."

This marks the fifth establishment for Daily Table within the Greater Boston region, joining their existing stores in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Cambridge's Central Square.

This marks the fifth establishment for Daily Table within the Greater Boston region, joining their existing stores in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Cambridge's Central Square.

"Our objective is to present an economical and convenient substitute for fast food," Twyman explained. "Recent visits to McDonald's would reveal that it has become both expensive and lacking in nutritional value."

Twyman mentioned that the nonprofit store's operational structure relies on generating two-thirds of its expenses through sales, while the remaining one-third is secured via collaborations with corporate partners, private contributions, and government support. He noted that while some food is contributed, the majority comes from partnerships with suppliers who share the same mission. These suppliers can offer products to the store at reduced costs, allowing Daily Table to extend those savings to its customers.

"Food insecurity remains an ongoing challenge," Twyman remarked, highlighting that out of every 10 eligible local residents who could benefit from food banks, 6 do not take advantage of them. "Food banks contribute to the solution, but they are just one aspect.

"We offer an alternative approach to food banks, empowering our customers with a sense of control. Our patrons come into our stores, independently shop for their groceries, and then take those items back home to their families."

"In addition, apart from a manager recruited from the Cambridge store, all the individuals we've employed for this location are directly from the Salem community."

The grand inauguration event scheduled for 9 a.m. on September 9th will feature the participation of Lt. Gov. and former Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Mayor Dominick Pangallo, and Lucy Corchado, President of the Point Neighborhood Association.

"We are tremendously enthusiastic about their arrival," Twyman expressed. "Even more importantly, we're thrilled to open our doors to the community, showcasing the array of offerings at Daily Table and fostering connections with the Salem community."