For the past 18 years, Angela Bradley has been a tireless advocate for combating food insecurity in Champaign County. As the director of Stone Creek Food Pantry and through various other initiatives, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that all members of the community have access to nutritious sustenance. Now, Bradley has set her sights on an ambitious project: building a new grocery store in Urbana's Ward 3 to address the persistent "food desert" on the city's northwest side.

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Nourishment to Underserved Communities

Addressing the Stark Realities of Food Deserts

The absence of a full-service grocery store in Ward 3 has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of its residents. "When a community does not have an actual grocery store, statistics show that their health outcomes are worse," Bradley explains, underscoring the dire consequences of limited food access. The only source of fresh produce in the area currently comes from the Vineyard Food Pantry, which, while doing an admirable job, can only serve a fraction of the community's needs.

Seeking Funding to Realize the Dream

To make her vision a reality, Bradley is seeking a $2.4 million grant from the Illinois Grocery Initiative. However, the project requires a local match of $800,000 to cover 25% of the total cost of $3.2 million. This is where the city of Urbana comes into play, as Aldermen Chris Evans and Jaya Kolisetty have placed an ordinance on the agenda for the upcoming city council meeting to allocate the necessary funds from the general operating fund.

Empowering the Community through Grassroots Efforts

Bradley's approach to this project is rooted in her deep understanding of the community's needs. She plans to name her new business "HeartStrong Grocery," a nod to her nonprofit organization, HeartStrong Meal Kits, which works to provide low-income families with the ingredients to prepare delicious and heart-healthy meals. This holistic approach to addressing food insecurity and promoting better health outcomes is a testament to Bradley's commitment to the community.

Rethinking the Grocery Store Experience

In her efforts to transform the traditional grocery store model, Bradley is collaborating with the University of Illinois Siebel Center for Design and Joseph Altshuler, an assistant professor in the School of Architecture. Together, they aim to create a more human-centered shopping experience, with a focus on making it easier for customers to make healthier choices. This innovative approach to grocery store design is a testament to Bradley's vision for a more inclusive and accessible food system.

Cultivating Partnerships for Sustainable Change

To ensure the success of her project, Bradley is forging partnerships with local farms, such as Sola Gratia, to offer fresh, locally-sourced produce. This collaboration not only supports the local agricultural community but also aligns with Bradley's commitment to providing nutritious options for the residents of Ward 3. Additionally, the project has garnered the support of state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, who has written a letter urging the city council to approve the necessary funding allocation.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Empowerment

The journey to bring a grocery store to Ward 3 has been a collaborative effort, with Alderwoman Shirese Hursey serving as a champion for the cause since 2018. Bradley acknowledges Hursey's pivotal role in advocating for this much-needed resource, underscoring the importance of community engagement and political support in driving meaningful change.As the city of Urbana considers the $800,000 allocation to support Bradley's project, the implications of this decision extend far beyond the immediate benefits of a new grocery store. It represents a crucial step in addressing the systemic inequities that have long plagued the northwest side of the city, empowering residents with the access to nutritious food and the opportunity to lead healthier lives. The success of this grassroots initiative could serve as a model for other communities grappling with the challenges of food deserts, inspiring a wave of transformative change across the region.