Community Development Block Grants

Small food retailers in low-income neighborhoods often want to improve their stores, but may lack the resources necessary to do it.

Many want to sell healthy, affordable food, promote healthy snacks and beverages, and renovate deteriorating storefronts. Communities can support retailers by helping them fund these healthy food retail activities.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is one possible source of funding to support this work. The CDBG program provides flexible funding for communities to expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income people. Many of the activities undertaken by healthy food retail programs, including technical assistance or training, renovations, and marketing, are consistent with CDBG program guidelines and would therefore qualify for funding.

This fact sheet provides an introduction to using CDBG funding for healthy food retail activities. It includes an overview of the CDBG program, discusses which healthy food retail program activities might be eligible for funding, and offers suggestions on applying for funding. It also includes case studies and tips for success to help policymakers and advocates link CDBG national objectives, healthy retail work, and public health.