Letter to Jeannie Chaffin, Director at Health and Human Services - Opening New College Town Grocery Store

Letter

Dear Ms. Jeannie Chaffin:

I am writing in support of Action for a Better Community, Inc. (ABC) and their proposal for a Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative Projects grant.

This project will increase access to healthy food by supporting the development of Constantino's Market, a new 20,000 square foot grocery store, in a section of the City of Rochester that is designated as a food desert by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This grocery store is one of the anchor tenants of College Town, a major redevelopment project led by the University of Rochester to create an urban village center and spur economic development, and is a transformational priority project of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

At least 30 new full-time permanent jobs will be created by Constantino's Market, 75% of which will be directed to low-income individuals that receive pre-employment training and post-employment support from ABC and their FOCUS on Self-Sufficiency program, as a direct result of this project.

The City of Rochester faces high unemployment and poverty and was recently named the fifth poorest city in the United States, out of the 75 largest metro areas. The Rochester City School District is the poorest large urban school district in New York State with 88% of students eligible for free or reduced price meals.

ABC has a long history of providing programs and services designed to combat poverty and help low-income residents and families achieve economic self-sufficiency. This grant project promotes public-private partnerships that increase resources to fight poverty, develop livable neighborhoods with access to healthy food, and to grow our economy, and has my full support.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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