February 12, 2024, ATLANTA – Invest Atlanta today announced the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) to support the creation of economic development programming that increases the availability of fresh, affordable grocery options in the city of Atlanta. The information provided by qualified developers and retail grocery operators will help increase the pipeline of businesses looking to launch or expand grocery offerings, particularly in areas described by the United States Department of Agriculture as “Low Income, Low Access Communities.”
“Too many residents face food insecurity in their daily lives, which is why our Administration continues to prioritize investments in programs that bring healthy, affordable food options to every Atlanta neighborhood,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “All residents deserve to live close to healthy food options, a goal we are committed to accomplishing with our public and private partners.”
The input collected from developers and grocery operators through the RFI process will be considered for new programming and to further the City of Atlanta’s grocery and health foods strategy which focuses on:
- Attracting major supermarkets and grocery stores
- Retaining, expanding, and improving corner and neighborhood markets
- Supporting innovative food access models
- Driving policy, systems, and environment change
“The United States Department of Agriculture reports that in 2022 nearly one in five households faced food insecurity, an unacceptable fact we must continue to address,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Innovation and partnerships like this request for information is designed to create are key to finding new, impactful opportunities to increase access to affordable healthy food in our communities.”
Health professionals suggest that affordable access to healthy food is critical not just to preventing and treating diet-related health conditions, but also to building thriving communities, strong local economies, and sustainable food systems.
Document link: Request for Information (RFI): Developers and Grocery Operators Input