More fresh food options and ready to eat meals will soon be available for staff, patients, families and visitors at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) as Mint Fresh IGA prepares to call the hospital community home.
As part of the $619 million Stage 2 redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the new grocer will operate within the revitalised forecourt called ‘KidsPark’, which also includes a village green and playground.
Following feedback from the hospital community during early stages of the redevelopment project for improved access to fresh and affordable healthy food, owners of Mint Fresh and brothers Antoine and Richard Rizk said they were eager to deliver convenient, fresh and well-priced supermarket offerings to the Westmead Health Precinct.
“Life has become more fast-paced and busy over time, and we identified the need for supermarkets to act as the community’s pantry stock rather than a once per week visit,” Antoine said.
“We pride ourselves on knowing and listening to our local communities, and we stock our shelves with products our customers want and the brands they love.”
The brothers said the new grocer would offer a wide range of fresh, locally sourced produce.
“We proudly support Australian farmers and producers by stocking ranges of locally grown and made products,” Richard said.
Among families who advocated for a local grocer were Sarah and her 12-year-old son, Jack, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at two-weeks old. The family have spent long periods of time away from home, and home-cooked meals.
“Jack and I have spent around 1,241 meals at Westmead dreaming of a supermarket we can walk to – one that provides healthy ready-made meals, snacks, treats for completing treatment or rewards for getting through the day,” Sarah said.
“Having healthy food offerings will mean that you can concentrate your energy on the most important thing, your child’s health.”
In addition to grocer items, a new café will also operate within the store and there’s opportunity to enjoy a meal at the outdoor tables and seating in the forecourt.
Mint Fresh IGA is expected to open its doors in Spring this year. While the shop fit-out is underway, Mint Fresh IGA will seek community feedback on what produce staff and parents would like to see in store. Stay tuned for more information on how to provide feedback.
The new store is expected to create up to 25 local jobs with new roles ranging from baristas to managers.
The forecourt will also include an Aboriginal Gathering Space, a new playground, another retailer and more green space for staff and families to relax.
Operating since 2011, Mint Fresh IGA Group currently has five stores spanning from the northwest to western Sydney, with their latest addition here at Westmead.
