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District Invests $9 Million in Funding of Restaurants to Boost Food Access

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DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced approximately $9 million in grants for food businesses to open new locations in Wards 7 and 8.

The funding that is granted as part of the Food Access Fund is announced as the DMV Black Restaurant Week, which runs from November 7 to 14, kicks off.

“We have an incredible amount of entrepreneurial talent and creativity in DC, especially in our restaurant and foodservice industries – it’s just not equally distributed or equally funded. The Food Access Grants are going to change that,” Bowser said in a statement.

In reference to the $58 million initiative she included in her Fair Shot Budget to address food deserts in the District, Bowser stated that popular eateries like HalfSmoke will be supported to open new shops in Wards 7 and 8.

“We can also support popular spots that are already in Wards 7 and 8, like MLK Deli, and make sure they have the resources necessary to expand and reach more Washingtonians,” added Bowser. “We already know that we have residents in every part of our city who are eager to support local businesses; the Food Access Grants are not only delivering more food options to Wards 7 and 8, they’re delivering new opportunities to stay local and shop local.”

Among the recipients of the Food Access Fund are DCity Smokehouse, Fresh Food Factory, Highland Café, MLK Deli, Roots 657 Café, Sala Thai, and Sweet Tooth.

“Through Mayor Bowser’s investments we are ensuring that more District residents, especially our neighbors in Ward 7 and 8, have access to the food options they deserve and that are already enjoyed in other parts of the District,” said John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “As we celebrate DMV Black Restaurant Week, I am proud that we are announcing the latest recipients of our Food Access Fund, which will create even more food access points in Wards 7 & 8.”

Bowser also called on residents to support Black-owned restaurants and food service providers during the DMV Black Restaurant Week.

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