More than $8.1 million in financial incentives approved by the Invest Atlanta Board will be used to open two new grocery stores in Atlanta food deserts, offering a wide range of affordable fresh produce, meats, dairy products and other essential grocery items.
The first location in Southwest Atlanta will be a municipal grocery store operated by Savi Provisions under a sublease agreement with Invest Atlanta. An additional location in Downtown will be operated by Savi Provisions through a sublease agreement with an existing tenant. It is all part of a partnership with the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta to increase access to healthy, affordable food options in low food access neighborhoods.
Both Savi Provisions will have convenient hours of operation to accommodate various schedules and serve as a community hub, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops and resources for families to learn about healthy eating habits. Plus, the City of Atlanta will help ensure affordability by accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and offering discounts.
“We recognize the challenges faced by communities in accessing fresh and nutritious food,” says Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as chair of the Invest Atlanta Board. “This municipal grocery store strategy is a significant step toward addressing food deserts in our city and ensuring that all residents can enjoy healthy, affordable food options. We believe that everyone deserves access to fresh food, regardless of their economic situation.”
Savi Provisions was selected to operate the stores through a competitive request for proposals process. By partnering with local farmers and vendors, Savi Provisions will not only supply fresh food, but it will also stimulate economic development within the community. This includes creating 80 jobs with an estimated $21 million economic impact.
“For far too long, traditional grocery operators have neglected these neighborhoods, which has created negative health outcomes for our community,” says Paul Nair, CEO of Savi Provisions. “We are proud to be a local business supporting our fellow residents with affordable groceries and high-paying jobs. This is truly a game changer for the city of Atlanta.”