Mayor Andre Dickens' administration has set a steep goal of making affordable, fresh food available within one-half mile of at least 85% of Atlanta residents by 2025.
Supporting this effort, Invest Atlanta’s Board approved several Economic Opportunity Fund Food Access Grants, totaling $1.6 million.
Goodr
A $1 million grant is financing the design and build out of a community grocery store at iVillage @ MLK. The store will provide groceries, including fresh produce, eggs, milk, meat and other shelf-stable items.
Nourish + Bloom Market
A $600,000 grant is financing two Nourish + Bloom Market container stores, bringing fresh produce and other nutritious goods directly to the community.
Nourish + Bloom Market is the first Black-owned autonomous grocery store in the U.S., offering locally sourced items with no checkout. With support from Invest Atlanta, owner Jilea Hemmings is making it easier than ever for communities to access healthy food.
Open for Business + Fresh Food Access
Through the Atlanta Commercial Property Improvement Grant, Invest Atlanta offers $500,000 in food access funds for small businesses operating in disinvested areas of the city. The grant, which is part of the Atlanta Open for Business Fund, supported by Wells Fargo, can be used for both internal and external improvements to commercial properties.
Garden Market
Garden Market Atlanta received a $100,000 Atlanta Recovery Loan to support access to fresh juices, spices, and cultural foods in their local neighborhood.
Wadada Natural foods
Wadada Natural Foods received a $50,000 Commercial Property Improvement Grant to serve residents natural juices and fresh food options.