In a bold move to address food insecurity and promote access to fresh, affordable sustenance, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors has approved a substantial $2.6 million investment in projects that will have a far-reaching impact on the city's communities. This strategic initiative aims to not only improve food availability but also drive economic growth and job creation, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of Atlanta's residents.

Empowering Communities, Nourishing Futures

Bridging the Gap: Invest Atlanta's Food Access Catalyst Grant

Invest Atlanta's Food Access Catalyst Grant (AFACG) program is a game-changer in the fight against food insecurity, particularly for Atlanta's senior population. This innovative funding mechanism is fueling the development of transformative projects that will bring fresh, affordable food options to underserved neighborhoods. By leveraging the AFACG, organizations like Goodr and City of Refuge are poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with limited access to groceries.Goodr, a national leader in innovative approaches to food security, is set to open a grocery store at the Be on Edgewood development, serving Atlanta's senior and unhoused communities. This $330,000 AFACG-funded initiative will provide a vital lifeline, ensuring that those most vulnerable have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.Similarly, the City of Refuge Transformation Center in Vine City is receiving a $200,000 AFACG grant to finance the development of a healthy neighborhood market. This faith-based non-profit, known for its holistic approach to community development and economic mobility, is now expanding its reach to address food insecurity head-on.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods, Restoring Access

The Invest Atlanta Board's approval of additional projects further underscores the city's commitment to transforming its food landscape. The redevelopment of the iconic "Yellow Store" at 500 James P. Brawley Drive is a prime example. Leveraging a $750,000 Westside TAD grant, this mixed-use project will preserve the building's historic charm while introducing a new neighborhood retail space, complete with an outdoor canopy to accommodate a local food service tenant.Another landmark initiative is the revitalization of the Sweet Auburn Municipal Market, a beloved institution that has served the community since 1924. Through a $775,000 Eastside TAD grant and funding from the City of Atlanta, the market will undergo a comprehensive renovation, including the reconstruction of vendor booths and the implementation of a Vendor Success Program administered by Invest Atlanta. This investment will not only preserve the market's rich heritage but also empower local businesses and enhance the overall shopping experience for residents.

Innovative Approaches, Lasting Impact

At the heart of these initiatives lies a fundamental commitment to ensuring that all Atlantans have access to fresh, affordable food. As Mayor Andre Dickens, the Board Chair of Invest Atlanta, eloquently stated, "Ensuring access to fresh food is not just a matter of nourishment; it is a fundamental commitment to the health and well-being of our community."The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) is at the forefront of this transformative effort, with plans to renovate an existing commercial property along the Martin Luther King Drive corridor and open a Community Food Center (CFC). Awarded a $250,000 AFACG grant and a $250,000 Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant, this project will reuse a vacant retail space to create the city's first-ever Community Food Center, a pioneering approach to improving food security.These initiatives, collectively, are poised to have a profound impact on the lives of Atlanta's residents. By addressing food insecurity, creating economic opportunities, and fostering community development, Invest Atlanta is leading the charge in transforming the city's food landscape. As Dr. Eloisa Klementich, the president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, aptly noted, "Addressing food insecurity is not merely a challenge; it is an imperative that demands collective action to ensure that every individual has access to the nourishment they need to thrive."