Shana Manradge: Empowering Her Community Through Healthy Eating
Shana Manradge, a lifelong resident of Paterson, New Jersey, is the visionary and driving force behind A Better Market, the city’s first Healthy Corner Store. With a passion for health, community, and local business, Shana has dedicated herself to transforming the way her community thinks about food—offering fresh produce and nutritious options to a population often neglected by traditional grocery stores.
Shana’s journey with A Better Market began during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, she was hosting children during online learning and struggling to find affordable, nutritious food, like cereal, in her community. This experience opened her eyes to the lack of accessible healthy food options in her neighborhood, especially as many residents found themselves in food deserts. Originally, Shana planned to open a supermarket to address this need, but through extensive research, her mission evolved into creating a store focused on healthier eating and supporting small, local businesses.
Starting from humble beginnings, Shana initially ran her market out of her home—first from a room, then her basement, and eventually her garage. Her dedication and drive quickly earned her recognition in her community. However, licensing issues forced her to temporarily shut down. Undeterred, she continued working toward her goal, and over a year later, A Better Market found its home as a brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Paterson. Sourcing fresh produce from South Jersey farms, Shana not only provides healthy food optionsbut also fosters community collaborations that further the cause of local empowerment.
At the center of Shana’s community-based efforts is her partnership with Green Acre Community Garden, an urban community garden situated across the street from her store. Together, they promote farm-to-table eating and offer Paterson residents the opportunity to access freshly grown produce. This collaboration has been instrumental in teaching the community about sustainable food systems and healthy living.
"Access to healthy food is a matter of social justice"
Shana is also deeply committed to working alongside organizations like Black Lives Matter in local initiatives, promoting economic empowerment, health, and equity in underserved communities. She believes that access to healthy food is a matter of social justice, and her work aims to dismantle the structural barriers that have long deprived communities like Paterson of nutritious food options.
In addition to her work with Black Lives Matter, Shana partners with Camp YDP, an after-school and youth development program. By working with children and families, she instills the importance of healthy eating from a young age. Through her collaborations with these organizations, she’s fostering not only individual wellness but also building a healthier, more informed community.
Her Motto: We Deserve Better
Shana’s impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She’s a loving
wife to her husband, Mark, and a dedicated mother to their three children—Tyree, Marcus, and Sierra and grandmother to Jayden. Her family is the foundation of her support system, helping her balance the challenges of running a business while giving back to her community.
Shana’s vision is clear: empower her community to live healthier, fuller lives through better access to nutritious food. Her work with Black Lives Matter, Camp YDP and Green Acre Community Garden, is not just about selling food; it’s about transforming her neighborhood from the ground up—one
fresh vegetable, one healthy meal, one empowered individual at a time.
