Eradicating Food Deserts in New Orleans, LA

Since going dormant in 2002, a former elementary school in a New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood has been given new life. Dryades Public Market recently opened on O.C. Haley Blvd., just down the street from HOPE’s branch. The project was funded through the New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative (FFRI). Managed by HOPE, After having a credit application denied, Kim, a mother of four and grandmother of eight, knew she needed help. She asked around for advice, and a former employer introduced her to HOPE. After working with the HOPE team to develop a budget, Kim received a Borrow and Save Loan. Six months later, Kim’s credit FFRI increases access to healthy foods by bridging financing gaps that often exist for grocers seeking to serve low-income areas. Since 2011, HOPE has financed nine healthy food projects and directly invested or leveraged $32.6 million.