The Invest Atlanta Board has awarded $50,000 grants to 15 innovative grocery store owners and operator grantees to increase fresh food access in underserved neighborhoods across Atlanta.
The grants are part of the City of Atlanta’s food access strategy designed to empower communities, ignite change and create lasting impact through nutritious food access. They were awarded through the Commercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG) program created within the Wells Fargo Atlanta Open for Business Fund in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta.
“These grants will not only strengthen our small business community but also help to break down barriers that have historically excluded low-income neighborhoods from healthy options,” says Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as chair of the Invest Atlanta Board. “Investing in businesses that increase fresh, affordable food options in more Atlanta neighborhoods is yet another way we are building healthier communities where all residents can thrive.”
According to Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo, small businesses often start because there’s a need in the community. “With our funding, Wells Fargo wants to help small business thrive,” she says. “It is especially gratifying to see how the city has embraced these small businesses stepping into the grocery store gap so they can offer greater accessibility to healthy food and meet the needs of the neighborhood.”
The grants were awarded through a competitive process that evaluated each organization's ability to create sustainable solutions for improving food access. In addition to funding, the grantees will receive ongoing support, resources and technical assistance provided through the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) to help optimize supply chain processes and increase access to affordable healthy food for the community.
Grant recipients include:
- Kosher Guacamole Corp
- Sevananda Cooperative, Inc.
- Pyramid Grocery
- Wadada Natural Foods & Juice Bar Inc
- Halal Madina Market 2024
- Fruits Veggies & Herbs
- Frazie's Market
- Lee Street Meats & Grocery
- Westview Corner Grocery
- Nourish and Bloom Market
- Little's Food Store
- Buy Low
- Rhinehart Farmer's Market
- Focused Community Strategies
- The Guild Collective
With 14% of Atlantans being food insecure, Invest Atlanta, City leadership and grant recipients are together cultivating a future where everyone has access to healthy food options with sustainable solutions.
“We are incredibly excited to support these passionate organizations that are making a real difference in their communities,” says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “By fostering collaboration between communities, policymakers and organizations, we are setting the bar to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”