Forty Acres Fresh Market Opens In Austin, Bringing Grocery Store To Area Facing Food Apartheid

Forty Acres Fresh Market opened in Austin, providing fresh produce and essential groceries to a community previously facing significant food access challenges. Residents Vernelia Harris and Janis Fuller expressed enthusiasm for the store, which they believe will improve local nutrition options. Owner Elizabeth Abunaw stated that the store aims to combat "food apartheid," highlighting the systemic discrimination affecting grocery access in the area. The store boasts a diverse inventory, including fresh produce, frozen food, and household supplies, filling a gap left by previous closures of grocery stores like Save A Lot and Aldi. U.

S. Rep. Danny Davis emphasized the importance of having a grocery store within walking distance for community residents. Abunaw's journey began with a grocery delivery service in 2017, and the store's establishment is seen as a vital step towards reshaping food access narratives in Austin. Funding from local foundations and a $2.

5 million grant from the Chicago Recovery Fund helped make this permanent location possible. The opening of Forty Acres Fresh Market marks a significant development in addressing food insecurity in the neighborhood.