Living Cities engaged with Jeff Brown and UpLift Solutions to learn more about the mechanics of his business model and the value in creating career pathways for local low-income residents. They conducted a series of interviews with Jeff to kick off this work. In this first installment, Jeff discusses the specifics of the UpLift supermarket business model, including the impetus for its creation and lessons from its successes and challenges.

Soul Food Junkies sets out to learn more about the soul food tradition and its relevance to black cultural identity. The film also explores the socioeconomic conditions in predominantly black neighborhoods, where it can be difficult to find healthy options, and introduces some pioneers in the emerging food justice movement who are challenging the food industry, encouraging communities to create sustainable and eco-friendly gardens, advocating for healthier options in local supermarkets, and supporting local farmers' markets.

This report summarizes findings of a national-level assessment of the extent and characteristics of food deserts, analysis of the consequences of food deserts, lessons learned from related Federal programs, and a discussion of policy options for alleviating the effects of food deserts. Overall, findings show that a small percentage of consumers are constrained in their ability to access affordable nutritious food because they live far from a supermarket or large grocery store and do not have easy access to transportation.

A study conducted by the Food Research and Action Center gave Memphis the unenviable distinction of "hunger capital of the United States." Since then, a swell of interest and concern over urban food deserts has brought issues of food access for underserved communities to the fore.

This document provides useful information about the rationale for and characteristics of healthier food retail legislation enacted in the last decade. Action steps that can be used to support Healthier Food Retail initiatives in their state are provided, as well as legislative data and other resources.

DaFresh Seafood and Produce Store has been awarded $117,000 by the New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative, which in partnership with Hope Enterprise Corp. and The Food Trust is providing loans to existing and startup grocers in underserved New Orleans communities.

Social Compact is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization formed by coalition of business leaders from across the country committed to promoting successful investment in lower-income communities. Working in close partnership with community and corporate leaders over the past decade and a half, they have pioneered a methodology to analyze inner-city markets and create accurate, business-oriented profiles of “emerging” neighborhood markets.

In rural areas across Minnesota, thousands of residents live in communities without a major grocery store. In Big Stone County, small grocers like Bonnie's Hometown Grocery are making a big difference.

Massachusetts ranks nearly dead last — third from the bottom nationally — in having enough supermarkets with fresh, nutritious food, according to a report to be released today by the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

This guide serves as a resource for independent retailers who are seeking information on how to merchandise and promote their selection of fresh produce. It provides information about produce storage and display, cross promotion merchandising techniques, and promotional activities to educate low-income consumers on how to purchase, store, and prepare fresh produce.