Reinvestment Fund has awarded Connected Communities a Neighborhood Market Planning Phase grant, supported by the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). The planning phase must be completed within one year and will assess the feasibility of establishing a nonprofit or cooperative grocery store at 359 Webster Avenue in the Beechwood Neighborhood.​
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Currently, the Beechwood neighborhood has limited grocery options, with a Save-A-Lot in Goodman Plaza and the Rochester Public Market adjacent to the Beechwood neighborhood. The planned market will be located at 359 Webster Avenue in the Beechwood neighborhood of Rochester, NY, with adjacent parcels acquired to support potential expansion or market operations. These neighborhoods are considered both a food desert and a food swamp.
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This project falls under the Economic Empowerment Pillar, advancing our vision of leveraging neighborhood resources to create inclusive, sustainable economic ecosystems. The idea was born out of community engagement efforts in 2015, during which charrettes, based on resident input, highlighted the urgent need for accessible fresh food. These early efforts, along with a St. John Fisher University capstone project surveying residents, revealed a strong community desire for a grocery store offering fresh foods and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Community engagement continues to play a vital role, with ongoing outreach and facilitation managed by our internal team.
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The initiative seeks to evaluate the need and marketability of a non-BLT (beer, lottery, tobacco) grocery store designed to prioritize customer service and attract community members. A component of the plan should include hiring residents to enhance community investment and create employment opportunities.