Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Announce the Good Food Fund Grant Round 2 Awardees

January 22, 2025

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the final round of the Good Food Fund Grant program. The Good Food Fund program increased access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, expanded business ownership and jobs in the food industry, generated more sustainable local food economies and increased local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods. The 108 Chicago food businesses received a total of $3,360,000 in funding.

"I am proud to issue this round of Good Food Fund grants in recognition of the local businesses and restaurants that are restoring equitable food access to our communities," said Mayor Johnson. "With these grants, we grow our neighborhoods through new job opportunities, business openings, and economic vibrancy, and most importantly we ensure that South and West Side communities have access to locally grown, nourishing food. My administration along with our Food Equity Council and community partners are committed to growing our local food ecosystem for all residents."

The Good Food Fund program increased access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, expanded business ownership and jobs in the food industry, generated stronger and more sustainable local food economies and increased local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods. 

"The Good Food Fund program was an investment in Chicago's entrepreneurs and business owners who seek to increase access to food options in South and West sides," said BACP Acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali. "Through this program, awardees benefited from customized food coaching, grants and access to low-interest loans. By increasing local growers, grocery stores and small food businesses, the City can empower its residents to make healthier choices and build more resilient communities."

The Food Equity Council, and Allies for Community Business (A4CB), in collaboration with the City, assisted in developing the criteria for the Round 2 of the grant program. The goal was to provide businesses, across the food ecosystem, in communities with inequitable food access with an opportunity to apply for and receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This round also allowed eligibility for businesses in the incubation stage provided a fiscal sponsor applied on their behalf.

"Allies for Community Business provides the capital, coaching, and connections entrepreneurs need to grow great businesses and we value strong partnerships though which we can help create jobs and wealth in our communities," said Brad McConnell, CEO of A4CB. "The Good Food Fund is a great example of such a partnership, and we appreciate working closely with the City of Chicago to provide grants, loans and free coaching to food and beverage entrepreneurs throughout the city."

Good Food Fund Grant Round 2 Awardees:

The Good Food Fund programming ended on December 31, 2024.

To learn more about BACP's Recovery Plan efforts, please visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

To learn more about Chicago's Food Equity Council, please visit: Chicago.gov/ChicagoFoodEquityCouncil.

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