MARTINEZ, CA — Now when customers stop for food or gas at the Martinez Food Mart, they can fill up on postage and postal products as well.

On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at 11:00 AM, customers will be treated to a grand opening ceremony by store owners Amilcar and Diana Warton and postal officials as the Food Mart at 3767 Alhambra Ave. Martinez, CA 94553, becomes a Village Post Office (VPO).

Originally from Peru, the Wartons wanted to be business owners. Eventually, they saved and opened up their own business-- Food Mart/Gas Station. When they heard about the Village Post Office concept, they felt it would be a perfect fit for their store.

Customers are able to purchase Forever Stamps, drop off prepaid mail and packages and pick up Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and envelopes.  The convenience for customers is that many VPOs offer expanded business hours, including Sundays and holidays.

Village Post Offices are normally located in non-Postal Service establishments — such as an existing community business, grocery stores and gas stations — and are run by someone other than an employee of the Postal Service.

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