Long Beach is looking to partner with one or more qualified organizations to expand the availability of low-cost, culturally relevant produce in neighborhoods that are considered food deserts through its Produce to Market Program.
Food markets within these neighborhoods, considered to be fresh food deserts, are hindered by high procurement costs in their ability to stock and sell fresh produce.
Priority neighborhoods in need of fresh, low-cost produce in Long Beach include a several-block radius stretching east from Santa Fe Avenue to Redondo Avenue and a large section in North Long Beach stretching north from Carson Street to the Artesia Freeway.
The Health Department will support the selected organization(s) to plan, implement and evaluate a sustainable program to allow small and medium-sized food stores in the city to procure fresh quality produce at prices similar to larger grocery stores.
The program will include grants up to a maximum amount of $250,000 per award to markets who best demonstrate how funds will be used to reach this goal and increase access to fresh produce in priority neighborhoods.
Long Beach has launched a Request for Proposals for eligible organizations to submit proposals through Long Beach Buys, the City’s vendor portal, by 11 a.m. on Feb. 16.
Eligibility requirements for submissions include proposed programs focusing on implementing a food procurement system that reaches small or medium-sized markets and food stores located in fresh food deserts, as indicated on the priority zone map. The City will prioritize funding for projects that reach households living within the priority zone.
This program has been made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the pandemic.
The Produce to Market Program aligns with the goals of Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to increase access to fresh foods for communities in food deserts through healthy market partnerships, community gardens and farmers’ markets.
Further details regarding eligibility requirements as well as submission instructions are available on the Long Beach Buys website.
