The Community Grocer Partners with Community First Fund, together with FINANTA to Open Inaugural West Philadelphia Health Store
The Community Grocer Partners with Community First Fund, FINANTA to Open Inaugural West Philly Health Store
$900K loan supporting construction of new corner store concept slated for summer 2025
Philadelphia, PA – July 2024 – The Community Grocer, a revolutionary nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to nutritious food, has closed on a $900,000 loan from Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, to fund the construction of The Community Grocer’s first store at 627 S. 60th Street, Philadelphia.
The grand opening is planned for summer 2025 and the project has been further supported by pro bono assistance from the Ballard Spahr legal team.
Located in a predominantly non-Hispanic Black community in West Philadelphia, which faces high rates of food insecurity and diet-related diseases, The Community Grocer aims to transform the corner store experience.
The Community Grocer will offer meal kits with fresh ingredients and other products that are SNAP and WIC eligible at time of purchase. On separate premises within the building, a partnering 501c3 organization will have a workforce development kitchen to cook ingredient meal kits free of charge. Together, these organizations are pioneering retail access to nutrition, fostering community growth, and creating pathways to ensure the consistent consumption of fresh ingredients in communities with limited access.
“The Community Grocer’s unique approach is set to transform the health of West Philadelphia,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund. “We’re proud to support this project with investment and resources to tackle food insecurity and encourage healthier living in West Philly.”
Additionally, The Community Grocer will provide workforce development opportunities, community programming, and education courses, making it a vital piece of public infrastructure for the area.
“We are so grateful to be able to partner with Community First Fund, together with FINANTA,” said Eli Moraru, President and Co-Founder of The Community Grocer. “As a startup nonprofit, receiving financing support from a local CDFI was mission-critical to achieving our collective vision for a stronger, healthier tomorrow. At the end of the day, this is for our neighbors, and it would not be possible without the support of the Community First Fund and Ballard Spahr teams. Together, we are poised to pioneer a new pillar of nutrition and community access starting here in West Philadelphia.”
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Media Contacts
The Community Grocer
Eli Moraru, President and Co-Founder
emoraru@thecommunitygrocer.org
(202) 412-5771
Community First Fund and FINANTA
marketing@communityfirstfund.org
About Community First Fund, together with FINANTA
Community First Fund, together with FINANTA, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to fostering community ownership among immigrants, women, and communities of color through comprehensive financial products and services. For over 30 years, we have supported small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects in the greater Philadelphia area, Delaware, and New Jersey
In 2022, we opened Community First Fund Credit Union to offer fair, accessible financial products that help people build wealth. Our approach to fostering financial wellbeing and community revitalization includes being deeply integrated in the communities we serve, nurturing growth and opportunity.