The Independent Grocers Alliance has launched IGA Community Development, a new initiative designed to expand access to fresh, affordable food in underserved urban and rural communities across the U.S.
The new area of focus for IGA is designed to expand access to fresh, affordable food in underserved areas by matching funding from communities, non-profits and other developmental entities with independent retailers. This allows those retailers to open stores in markets where they are desperately needed — and where traditionally national chains won’t go.
IGA Community Development will be headed up by longtime IGA employee Ashley Page, who was recently promoted to general manager of IGA Community Development. In this expanded role, Page will oversee national community development strategy and retail program development designed to support sustainable independent grocery operations in food-insecure areas.
Partnership development and on-the-ground retail support and technical assistance will be led by Jimmy Wright, director of community store development, who brings operational experience and hands-on expertise working with independent grocers and community stakeholders.
Expanding IGA’s mission
As IGA enters its 100th anniversary year, CEO John Ross said the creation of this new entity represents a necessary expansion on IGA’s mission.
“For more than a century, IGA’s mission has been clear: to serve independent retailers by providing the assets, resources, relationships, and collective strength necessary to compete successfully against chain store competitors,” Ross said. “As we enter our 100th anniversary year, that mission does not change, but it does expand to include serving communities in need.”
Ross emphasized the unique role independent grocers play in addressing food access challenges.
“Independent grocery isn’t just a retail model; it’s a community solution. In many communities, especially those that are underserved or have experienced disinvestment, independent grocers offer one of the most viable and lasting paths to food access, local ownership, workforce opportunity and neighborhood stability,” Ross shared.
“By bringing community leaders, government, nonprofits, and other funding partners together with independent retailers, we create unique public-private partnerships that, unlike so many past efforts to address food deserts, can drive sustainable economic change.”
Atlanta model demonstrates impact
IGA’s commitment to food access work is already yielding results in Atlanta, where the organization partnered with Invest Atlanta and local leaders to expand fresh food options in the city.
In September, Azalea Fresh Market opened in Downtown Atlanta as a first-of-its-kind municipal grocery store developed through a public-private collaboration between the city of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Savi Provisions, community stakeholders and IGA. The market served over 4,000 customers within its first week.
The market was created to serve a USDA-designated low-income, low-access area, bringing fresh produce, dairy, pantry staples and locally-sourced foods to residents who had long lacked convenient access to healthy options.
IGA provided key technical assistance and retail support as part of the project, drawing on its expertise to help shape store strategy, operations and community engagement. The efforts have positioned Azalea Fresh Market as both a vital resource and a model for addressing urban food insecurity through local partnerships and retail innovation.
[RELATED: Funding, Support Go Long Way For Grocers In Underserved Atlanta Areas]
Comprehensive Support Services
IGA Community Development will deliver comprehensive support to independent retailers and community partners working to increase access to fresh food in all regions of the country.
Key areas of support include entrepreneur recruitment and development, identifying and supporting grocery entrepreneurs committed to serving underserved communities. The program utilizes IGA’s Retail Learning Institute for robust online curriculum and in-person training covering operations, leadership and financial management.
The initiative provides data-driven market and media analysis to evaluate market viability, shopper behavior and marketing effectiveness. Financial forecasting and planning tools support business planning, financing and long-term sustainability.
IGA Community Development offers ongoing performance assessments and hands-on operational guidance through store optimization and retail counseling. The program provides cooperative supply chain and purchasing support to help independent grocers remain competitive, along with customizable marketing programs designed to strengthen local connections.
“Having no access to fresh, healthy food is more than an inconvenience; it has a negative impact on the health, opportunity and economic growth of whole communities and the people in them,” Page said.
“Independent grocers play a critical role in addressing food insecurity by offering locally tailored solutions, creating jobs, and reinvesting in the communities they serve — communities that have often been overlooked by chains. IGA Community Development is designed to meet rural and urban communities where they are, and help ensure their grocery solutions are locally informed, economically viable, and community-driven. Jimmy Wright and I look forward to expanding on the foundation established in Atlanta to serve other communities across the country.”
Wright emphasized the broader impact of the work.
“Independent grocers do more than sell food. They support health, dignity, and economic opportunity,” Wright said. “This is deeply rewarding work because it directly impacts families, neighborhoods, and local economies. Our role is to walk alongside these grocers, providing the hands-on support, technical expertise, and long-term partnership they need to succeed in communities that depend on them. Not just today, but for generations to come.”