ATLANTA — To boost options for fresh food in Atlanta’s food deserts, Mayor Andre Dickens announced a new partnership between the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions to build two new grocery stores.
The two locations will be built to give residents near Campbellton Plaza and in Downtown Atlanta fresh food options and includes more than $8.1 million in funding.
According to the mayor’s office, the money from Invest Atlanta was approved as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to increase access to fresh and healthy food, and to combat food insecurity in the city.
“We recognize the challenges faced by communities in accessing fresh and nutritious food,” Dickens said in a statement. The mayor is also the Chair of the Invest Atlanta Board. “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.”
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Savi Provisions will operate both store locations, one t 2080 Campbellton Road SW and another downtown.
The mayor’s office said both stores will set “convenient hours of operation to accommodate various s schedules,” while also providing a large variety of affordable fresh food options including produce, meat, dairy products and other grocery essentials.
“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,” Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta, said. “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.”
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As part of the development, officials said the markets will also serve as community hubs, offer cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops and resources for families to learn more about healthy eating habits.
Additionally, Atlanta will implement measures to help with affordability, like accepting payment from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, known popularly as food stamps, and other discounts.
“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,” Paul Nair, CEO of Savi Provisions, said. “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.”
The city said there will also be partnerships with local businesses and online grocery delivery and pickup services to help support residents.
Both stores are expected to open in the second half of 2025, according to officials.
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