Small businesses and farmers markets can receive one-time grants through a new city program set up to expand food access.
The Neighborhood Market Grant Program will provide up to $10,000 to small businesses operating in areas with low food access, according to a Friday news release.
The program’s announcement comes a month after the abrupt closure of seven Save A Lot grocery stores on the city’s South and West sides. Save A Lot’s operator, Yellow Banana, had a redevelopment agreement with the city to keep the locations open for 10 years.
“Access to fresh, healthy food should not depend on what neighborhood you live in,” Johnson said in the news release. “The Neighborhood Market Grant Program puts resources directly behind the small businesses and market operators who are helping change that — strengthening local food systems, supporting neighborhood entrepreneurs and expanding access to fresh food across Chicago.”
Eligible applicants include retail, food and beverage small-business owners and farmers market operators who have a store in “priority geographies,” according to the city.
Funds can be used for equipment purchases, market operations, marketing and outreach, and improvements to keep markets open year-round.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 25 until 5 p.m. Spanish-language applications will be available starting Wednesday.
The program is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan, and Allies for Community Business provided $450,000 toward the program for grant recipients.
Earlier this month, Johnson also announced another program to help improve food access following Save A Lot’s closure. The city has a partnership with Lyft, United Way of Metro Chicago and 211 Metro Chicago to give older adults on the South and West sides up to two $25 Lyft credits to help get to grocery stores.
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