Working with City leadership, Invest Atlanta is identifying a range of solutions to address food insecurity and ensure that every Atlantan lives close to healthy food options.

To accomplish this, Invest Atlanta is prioritizing investments in programs that attract major supermarkets and grocery stores; expand, retain and improve corner and neighborhood markets; support innovative food access models; and drive policy, system and environment change. The goal of this food access strategy is for 85% of residents to live within a half-mile of fresh, affordable food by 2025.

Recent progress has been made to address food insecurity and access to healthy food, including:

Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) Named Technical Assistance Provider for Grocery Retail Operations

Invest Atlanta selected the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) as its technical assistance provider to support grocery retail operations in Atlanta. IGA was selected as part of a formal Request for Qualitied Contractors process, where the organization demonstrated expertise in the areas of grocery marketing and merchandising; supply chain and logistics; knowledge and management training; and networking and collaboration techniques. IGA will offer guidance and support to applicants looking to grow and expand their established grocery businesses in Atlanta.

Request for Qualified Contractors for Municipal Grocery Store Development

With a goal to increase the pipeline of businesses interested in establishing or expanding their grocery offerings within the city of Atlanta – primarily in communities with food accessibility challenges – Invest Atlanta has issued a Request for Qualified Contractors for Municipal Grocery Store Development.

Qualified entities will develop and operate a municipal grocery store within the city of Atlanta and partner with Invest Atlanta to provide general consultation and service implementation related to food access opportunities.