The Community Market Conversion (CMC) Program is an initiative of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) to expand access to nutritious food and revitalize the food retail environment in underserved neighborhoods by converting convenience stores into healthy food markets. The CRA/LA provides up to $95,000 per store for a full-scale rehabilitation of exterior façades
and interior layout and includes funding for the purchase of refrigeration and other permanent fixtures for the sale of fresh produce. The CMC also provides funding for technical assistance for the storeowners to train on the management of fresh produce inventory, which ensures that the “conversion” process is financially and logistically feasible for the business owner. SOUTH LOS ANGELES PILOT
In partnership with the Department of Public Health RENEW LA County program, the California Endowment and Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, CRA/LA has launched a pilot of the CMC program in South Los Angeles. This partnership allows for public health and community participation programs to inspire healthy eating and build up patronage for the converted stores, ensuring their long-lasting success. The CMC pilot focuses on the transformation of 4 corner stores in South Los Angeles through a community-guided process throughout 2011 and 2012.
