USDA funds healthy food access in Kenosha with $150K grant

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $150,000 to improve access to healthy foods in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This funding, provided through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Planning Grant Program, will support the Alford-Retail Grocery Store & Shared Commercial Kitchen in planning and development activities.

"By increasing access to more affordable and nutritious foods, this project will have a transformative impact on the community's health and well-being while creating a more equitable and vibrant neighborhood for generations to come," said Julie Lassa, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director. "This initiative brings us closer to our goal of more healthy foods for everyone in Wisconsin, regardless of their address or postal code.”

The grant will help the Alford-Retail Grocery Store & Shared Commercial Kitchen conduct market research, community engagement, feasibility studies, site selection, design charrettes, and economic modeling. These activities will inform the development of a comprehensive master plan for the project.

The USDA is committed to improving access to healthy foods in underserved communities across the country.

Through the HFFI, the department is partnering with the Reinvestment Fund to invest nearly $6 million in various communities.

The HFFI provides grants and loans to organizations that offer healthy foods in areas with limited access to grocery stores and other food retailers.

Many low-income communities lack adequate, affordable access to healthy food. HFFI provides grants and loans to entities that offer healthy foods in communities that are underserved by grocery stores and other food retailers.

The Reinvestment Fund serves as the National Fund Manager for USDA's HFFI. It raises capital, provides financial and technical assistance, and helps fund projects to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas.

Photo Credit: usda