RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 1, 2024 – Roanoke residents will soon be able to shop for fresh, healthy food closer to home thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s partnership with Reinvestment Fund to bring more nutritious options to underserved communities across the country.
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Inc. is receiving $81,417 through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Planning Grant Program to establish the Market On Melrose, a full-service grocery store that will make fresh meats, produce, and essential staples more readily available to the local population.
“HFFI provides grants and loans to entities that offer healthy foods in communities that are underserved by grocery stores and other food retailers,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “Goodwill is a trusted partner that is already on the ground in this recognized food desert and we are pleased to work through our longstanding relationship to direct funds and resources where they are most needed.”
HFFI is designed to support new and expanded markets for farmers and ranchers, stabilize small and independent retailers, and create good-paying jobs and economic opportunity in low-income communities. Funds awarded for this project will be used to support community engagement initiatives aimed at raising awareness and attracting customers and job seekers to the new venture.
The Virginia project is one of 45 included in a nearly $6 million investment U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced today to support healthy food retail or food retail supply chain projects in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act is bolstering this and other USDA efforts to create more and better markets that benefit producers and American consumers. Visit the HBIIP webpage to learn more about this program offered to help combat the climate crisis, a key pillar of the Investing in America agenda.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
As the National Fund Manager for USDA, Reinvestment Fund raises capital; provides financial and technical assistance to regional, state and local partnerships; and helps fund projects to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved areas.
Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these and other investments are impacting rural America. Learn more about other USDA RD programs at www.rd.usda.gov.