Argentine Neighborhood Development Association
The Argentine Neighborhood Development Association (ANDA) used HFFI financing to develop a Healthy Food Center as part of its Healthy Lifestyles Initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious food in Argentine, Kansas. Prior to receiving HFFI funding, Argentine was a designated food desert with a lack of grocery store access to healthy, fresh, nutritious food. After three years of community engagement, participatory research, and town hall meetings, ANDA developed a business plan and attracted a supermarket partner, Save-A-Lot Food Stores. Construction began during summer 2013, and the new grocery store opened in December 2013. The HFC increased sustainable employment opportunities through the creation of 92 construction jobs and 34 post-construction jobs for low-income residents and TANF participants. The grocery store stays in close communication with the community to meet its needs and build on its strengths, such as bringing registered dieticians to share best practices for preparing culturally relevant foods. You can find more information here.
Source of money: HFFI CED Program