Could Kansas City Area Grocer Be Coming to Cedar Rapids?

The old Hy-Vee grocery store still sits vacant along 1st. Avenue in Cedar Rapids. But city leaders are looking to change that with some help from a federal grant.

The Corridor Business Journal reports that the city of Cedar Rapids is pursuing a Kansas City area 'prime impact grocer' about operating a store at the old 1st. Avenue Hy-Vee location. There is no formal agreement in place, and the city is not revealing the name of the grocer. However, the company has taken a tour of the store location according to the CBJ.

The city is looking to boost its efforts to land the new grocer with a $250,000 grant application through  America’s Healthy Food Finance Initiative FARE Fund. The fund, which was launched in June of this year, is designed to increase access to healthy foods in communities underserved by grocery stores according to the CBJ. Applications are due by January 6th, 2025 with winners being announced in the late winter or early spring of 2025.

The CBJ reports that along with the possibility of a new grocery store, there is excitement for Hornbill Asian Market establishing a Cedar Rapids location at 1445 1st. Avenue SE. According to a press release, the market will provide fresh produce, specialty groceries, and authentic Asian products. No timeframe has been provided for when the market may open according to the CBJ. 

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