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

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the recipients of the Good Food Fund Grant Round 2 on January 22, 2025, distributing a total of $3. 36 million to 108 food businesses in Chicago. This program is designed to enhance access to culturally relevant and nourishing food specifically in the South and West sides, where food inequity is prevalent. By providing grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the initiative aims to stimulate local economic growth and create job opportunities within the food industry. Mayor Johnson highlighted the importance of these grants in ensuring that underserved communities have access to fresh, locally sourced food.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) facilitated this program, which also included customized food coaching and access to low-interest loans for small businesses. The Food Equity Council and Allies for Community Business played pivotal roles in developing the grant criteria. The Good Food Fund program concluded on December 31, 2024, reflecting a significant investment in local entrepreneurs who are crucial to building more resilient communities. This initiative serves as a model for how targeted funding can address food access challenges and support economic vitality in Chicago.