Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces recipients of Good Food Fund grants, supporting food security initiatives in the city.
 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Makes Good on Promises |
Mayor Johnson’s Good Food Fund GrantToday, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the grant awardees of the first round of the Good Food Fund Grant program. Forty-one Chicago food businesses were selected to receive a grant, fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The goals of the Good Food Fund are to increase access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, increase business ownership and jobs in the food industry, create stronger and more sustainable local food economies, and increase local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods.
The Good Food Fund programs, which are part of Mayor Johnson’s Road to Recovery Plan, were designed after intensive community engagement with the Food Equity Council and sought to help expand, enhance, and restore the food industry using an equity and community-based approach. The second round of the Good Food Fund Grant application will launch on August 15. “The Good Food Fund grant represents my commitment to equity and empowerment, ensuring every Chicagoan has access to fresh, local food,” said Mayor Johnson. “Congratulations to all food business grant awardees—your dedication to uplifting our communities through culinary innovation sets a remarkable example for us all.”
To ensure an equitable grant award selection process for all, the Food Equity Council and Allies for Community Business (A4CB), in collaboration with the city, assisted in developing the criteria for Round 1 of the grant program. “BACP is thrilled to collaborate with A4CB and the Food Equity Council on the Good Food Fund, a program designed to address food insecurity in underserved Chicago communities by providing customized food coaching, grants, and access to low-interest loans,” said BACP Acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali.
“By investing in initiatives that increase access to affordable food options, such as local growers, grocery stores, and small food businesses, the city can empower its residents to make healthier choices and build more resilient communities.”“Allies for Community Business believe that entrepreneurs from any background can start and grow businesses that create generational wealth for their families and communities,” said Brad McConnell, CEO of A4CB. “Through our partnership with the City and the Food Equity Council in administering the Good Food Fund and our joint venture partnership with ICNC at The Hatchery food incubator, we are excited to provide the grants, loans, coaching, and kitchen space that entrepreneurs need to grow great businesses.” An informational webinar will take place on Wednesday, August 14.
To register for the webinar, visit Chicago.gov/BACPwebinars.
To apply for the grant, visit a4cb.org/grants.
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