The Carrot Initiative

Goals – attracting a grocer with the following attributes: 1. Variety - full-service offerings including fresh produce, bakery, meat, and grab-and-go service. 2. Sustainable - a commitment to the environment through organic and local foods. 3. Culturally Sensitive - inclusive, socially responsible practices. 4. Affordable - food options that are available to all income levels. 5. Accessible - high visibility and convenience for walking, biking, and transit. 6. Education - an environment of learning focused on healthy food choices. 7. Dedication - a partner that is committed to community. West Powderhorn Community The West Powderhorn community officially consists of the Bancroft, Bryant, Central, and Powderhorn Park neighborhoods in the area bound by 35W, Lake Street, 42nd Street, and Cedar Avenue. The Carrot Initiative realizes these borders are fluid and, in a way, arbitrary. Because the western portion of the Bryant neighborhood has been identified as an official food desert, the Initiative has focused its efforts in these four neighborhoods. Connections and accessibility outside of the West Powderhorn Community are vital to the overall health of the city. The Problems Associated with the Lack of a Community Grocer Health. Studies have shown that better access to healthy food corresponds to healthier eating and lower rates of obesity and diabetes. Affordability. Supermarkets and large grocery stores have lower prices than smaller stores. Ten Steps of a Coordinated Effort 1. Identify and organize stakeholders 2. Raise awareness of the problem 3. Understand the challenges 4. Consider the alternatives 5. Understand the retail market 6. Address the perception of the area 7. Identify potential development sites 8. Research and offer incentives 9. Sell the opportunity 10. Secure community support and corporate accountability Source: Grocery Store Attraction Strategies - http://www.policylink.org/atf/cf/%7B97C6D565-BB43-406D-A6D5-ECA3BBF35AF0%7D/groceryattraction_final.pdf Supporters Bancroft Neighborhood Association – Motion of Support Bryant Neighborhood Organization – Motion of Support Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization – Resolution of Support Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association – Resolution of Support Resources • Can America’s Urban Food Deserts Bloom. Time Magazine: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1900947,00.html • Stimulating Supermarket Development: A New Day for New York: http://www.thefoodtrust.org/pdf/0509nycommission.pdf • Community Food Security Coalition: http://www.foodsecurity.org/ • The Food Trust: http://www.thefoodtrust.org • USDA Food Desert Locator: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDesert/ • University of Minnesota Food Industry Center: http://foodindustrycenter.umn.edu/ • Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: http://www.iatp.org/library • http://www.policylink.org/atf/cf/%7B97C6D565-BB43-406D-A6D5-ECA3BBF35AF0%7D/FINALGroceryGap.pdf

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