ATLANTA, GA – December 20, 2024 – Invest Atlanta announced 15 innovative grocery store owners and operator grantees have been awarded up to $50,000 each to increase fresh food access in underserved neighborhoods across Atlanta. Part of the City of Atlanta’s food access strategy, this initiative aims to empower communities, ignite change, and create lasting impact through nutritious food access. Grants 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.
“Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, and 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,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair. “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.”
“Small businesses often start because there’s a need in the community,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With our funding, Wells Fargo wants to help small business thrive, and 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.”
As part of Mayor Andre Dickens’ fresh food access initiatives to bring more fresh food options to low-access neighborhoods, grants were issued to qualified grocery store operators selling fresh food, and funds will be used to maintain or expand properties with eligible improvements. 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.
The selected grantees have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas. Their projects, ranging from community gardens and mobile markets to educational programs on nutrition, are set to expand the ways residents' access and engage with healthy and accessible foods. 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
“We are incredibly excited to support these passionate organizations that are making a real difference in their communities,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “With 14 percent of Atlantans being food insecure, together we are cultivating a future where everyone has access to healthy food options with sustainable solutions. By fostering collaboration between communities, policymakers and organizations, we are setting the bar to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information about the Commercial Property Improvement Grant visit Invest Atlanta’s website, investatlanta.com/cpig.
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