Loans now available to expand services that bring healthy foods to communities that need them most
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 8, 2025) — Bridgeway Capital’s Healthy Food Access Initiative, a program that provides low interest loans to expand services that bring healthy foods to communities that need them most, is now accepting applications.
Food retailers, including grocery stores, food cooperatives, corner stores, along with wholesalers and distributors that expand access to fresh (i.e., perishable) foods in underserved food desert areas are eligible to apply. Currently, low-interest fixed rates of 4% are available to retailers, while 5% rates are accessible for wholesalers, distributors, or other non-retail locations.
“Bridgeway Capital understands the power of projects that grow healthier communities by offering access to affordable and nutritious foods,” said Shawn Thomas, Bridgeway’s lending team leader. “Access to healthy foods creates more positive health outcomes for residents and strengthens local economies. Our Healthy Food Access program provides financing for businesses and nonprofits that are motivated to increase access to affordable, healthy foods in rural and urban areas.”
Bridgeway Capital has helped clients launch new projects, build food retail stores and commercial kitchen spaces, and expand inventory and purchase equipment. From community gardens to corner stores to food hubs, with Bridgeway’s support, lending clients are breaking down barriers to grocery access and food entrepreneurship.
“With Bridgeway Capital’s assistance, Millvale Market opened in 2023 as the only reliable source of fresh foods and produce for our low-moderate income community,” said Jen Saffron, owner and proprietor of the Millvale Market. “Working together with partners such as Bridgeway Capital enables us to offer additional discounts to seniors and veterans, as well as accept SNAP benefits.”
Loans can be used to purchase inventory or equipment or as working capital to expand operations. Real estate loans for acquisition or renovation are also available. Funds must be directed to food-insecure areas, also known as low-access areas, which can be identified using the Reinvestment Fund’s Limited Supermarket Access Mapping Tool. Both for-profit and nonprofit businesses are encouraged to apply.
Bridgeway is aware that grocery store margins are slim, and emerging businesses are vulnerable to distribution and other challenges associated with stocking perishable foods. Therefore, it is essential that prospective borrowers have reasonable (i.e., conservative) financial projections.
Grocery stores are encouraged to accept SNAP and/or WIC. Existing grocery stores in food-insecure areas may benefit from more efficient refrigerators, solar panels, or other energy-saving upgrades in order to drive down overall costs.
To assist prospective borrowers, Bridgeway Capital may be able to provide technical assistance through its Entrepreneurship Hub to help small business prepare to be loan ready. Support for things like accounting, marketing, business plan development, etc. could be included. While Bridgeway does not have dedicated healthy food technical assistance, clients are connected with other providers, such as Just Harvest or the C.R.A.F.T. program at Chatham University.
Bridgeway Capital does not provide grants to support healthy food small businesses. However, interested business may want to explore the City of Pittsburgh Food Justice Fund, which offers grants of $2,000 to $75,000 for nonprofits with budgets of $500,000 or less, and is administered by New Sun Rising. Applications to the Food Justice Fund are due April 14, 2025.
Prospective borrowers should email connect@bridgewaycapital.org to begin the loan process or to inquire about technical assistance to become loan ready. They should allow up to 48 hours for a response. Community partners can help amplify this opportunity by sharing the Healthy Food Access Financing Fact Sheet on Bridgeway Capital’s Small Business page at bridgewaycapital.org.
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About Bridgeway Capital
Bridgeway Capital is a mission-driven lender, a nonprofit alternative to banks that lends to small businesses, nonprofits and real estate projects that have a positive community impact. As a Community Development Financial institution (CDFI), Bridgeway is certified by the U.S. Treasury. Since 1990, Bridgeway has invested more than $300 million in communities across the region, with more than 90% of the funding provided to low-income communities. As a social impact investor, Bridgeway focuses on equitable economic growth in underserved areas by providing impact-driven lending and programs to grow businesses and revitalize places. For more information, visit bridgewaycapital.chemistry.digital.