Mayor Andre Dickens announced that the City of Atlanta, in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions, will establish two new grocery stores in low food access neighborhoods aimed at providing fresh food options to residents near Campbellton Plaza and in Downtown. A promise announced by Mayor Dickens earlier this year in his State of the City address, this includes up to $8,174,991 in funding approved by the Invest Atlanta Board as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to fresh, healthy food and combatting food insecurity.

The first store, located in Southwest Atlanta at 2080 Campbellton Road SW, will be a municipal grocery store operated by Savi Provisions under a sublease agreement with Invest Atlanta. An additional location in Downtown will be operated by Savi Provisions through a sublease agreement with an existing tenant.

“We recognize the challenges faced by communities in accessing fresh and nutritious food,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Board Chair of Invest Atlanta. “This municipal grocery store strategy is a significant step toward addressing food deserts in our city and ensuring that all residents can enjoy healthy, affordable food options. We believe that everyone deserves access to fresh food, regardless of their economic situation.”

Both locations will establish convenient hours of operation to accommodate various schedules and will feature a wide array of affordable fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and other essential grocery items. By partnering with local farmers and vendors, the stores will not only supply fresh food but also stimulate economic development within the community. Funds will be used to help build out both locations, supply inventory, purchase equipment, and other operating costs.

“Establishing grocery stores in food deserts not only serves as a vital lifeline to help underserved communities but also presents a unique opportunity to create jobs and additional investment,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “In addition to access to healthy, affordable food, these community grocery stores are projected to create 80 jobs with an estimated economic impact of $21 million."

In addition to food sales, the market will serve as a community hub, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and resources for families to learn about healthy eating habits. To ensure affordability, the city will implement measures such as accepting SNAP benefits and offering discounts. Partnerships with local businesses and online grocery delivery and pickup services will provide additional resources and support for residents.

"District 11 is excited to welcome Savi Provisions to the neighborhood! This partnership between the city and invest Atlanta will continue our efforts to bring fresh food options to families that for too long have had to travel too far to meet their basic needs,” said Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet.

“Savi is honored to work with the Mayor's office and Invest Atlanta on these transformational projects, which will provide our downtown residents with much-needed groceries, fresh produce, and meal solutions,” says Paul Nair, CEO of Savi Provisions. “For far too long, traditional grocery operators have neglected these neighborhoods, which has created negative health outcomes for our community. We are proud to be a local business supporting our fellow residents with affordable groceries and high-paying jobs. This is truly a game changer for the city of Atlanta.”

Food deserts disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods, exacerbating existing inequalities. Addressing these disparities head on is critical for increasing equity and ensuring that all individuals have the right to healthy food.

The stores are expected to open in the second half of 2025.

This is a continuation of the Mayor’s efforts to increase access to fresh food throughout the city.

Images for use can be found at this link. Please credit Invest Atlanta / Reilly Johnson 

More information about funding approved by the Invest Atlanta Board is available on Invest Atlanta’s BoardDocs website.