Chicago City Wire

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 grants, 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 are part of Mayor Johnson’s Road to Recovery Plan. They were designed after intensive community engagement with the Food Equity Council and seek 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, 2024.

“The Good Food Fund grant represents my commitment to equity and empowerment, ensuring every Chicagoan has access to fresh, local food,” said Mayor Brandon 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 criteria for Round 1 of the grant program. The goal was to provide businesses across the food ecosystem in communities with inequitable food access an opportunity to apply for and receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Communities with inequitable access to food were determined using the Chicago Health Atlas.

“BACP is thrilled to collaborate with A4CB and the Food Equity Council on the Good Food Fund,” 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, we can empower residents to make healthier choices and build more resilient communities.”

“Allies for Community Business believes 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...we are excited to provide grants...that entrepreneurs need.”

Good Food Fund Grant Awardees:

Back of The Yards Coffee

Build Coffee

Carniceria La Hacienda

Carolyn's Krisps

Chicago Eats Market Place

Chocolat Uzma

Contemporary Farmer

Dope Drip

Fatso Hard Kitchen

Give Me Some Sugah Bakery

Herban Produce

Jerk Soule

Jibarito’s y Mas South Side

Jus Sandwiches

Kabob-it

Ken Tone's Drive-in

Kilwins Chocolate Fudge & Ice Cream (Hyde Park)

Kombuchade

La Esperanza

Let’s Eat To Live

Los Candiles Restaurant

Margaret’s Restaurant

Nary's Grill & Pizza

Nicole's Sandwich Shop

Nuevo Leon Bakery

Seafood Paradise on Jeffery

Shinju Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Spinzer Restaurant

Sputnik Coffee Company

Subway (Auburn Gresham)

Subway (Calumet Heights)

Supermercado Martin

SydPlayEat

Taquizas Y Banquetes El Siete

Taste Bud 1 Inc

Tatas Tacos

Taylormade Que

The Gilty Pig

The Jibarito Stop

The Tonk Honky Tonk BBQ

Ware Ranch Steak House

A second round of applications will open on August 15th. An informational webinar will be held on August 14th; registration details are available at Chicago.gov/BACPwebinars.

For application assistance or more information about coaching or loans available through A4CB: call 872-710-0035 or email help@a4cb.org.

For additional details about BACP’s Recovery Plan efforts visit Chicago.gov/BACPrecoveryplan.

For information about Chicago’s Food Equity Council visit: Chicago.gov/ChicagoFoodEquityCouncil.

Questions regarding Round 1 can be directed via email at help@a4cb.org.