In a bold step toward addressing food insecurity and food waste, Jasmine Crowe-Houston’s innovative startup, Goodr, has opened its latest free grocery store at the William Walker Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta.
The store will serve as a lifeline for 100 families and seniors every month, providing nutritious meals in a neighborhood classified as a food desert.
Revolutionizing Food Access Through Technology
Goodr, based in Atlanta, leverages technology and logistics to combat hunger while reducing food waste. Crowe-Houston, the founder and CEO, has consistently championed the need for innovative approaches to solving these intertwined challenges.
“Goodr uses technology to solve hunger — that’s our big focus,” Crowe-Houston shared in a 2021 interview with AFROTECH. “We’re taking a radically different approach to how this country addresses hunger and food waste.”
With $9.4 million in funding and partnerships with organizations like Amazon, Aetna, and Invest Atlanta, Goodr has been able to scale its impact.
Previous successes include the opening of a free grocery and clothing store at McNair Middle School in College Park, Georgia, with the support of rapper Gunna.
The Southwest Atlanta project received crucial backing from Invest Atlanta, which provided a $2.6 million investment. This support underscores the city’s commitment to reducing food insecurity and fostering healthier neighborhoods.
Tackling Systemic Inequities
Crowe-Houston has been vocal about disrupting traditional food assistance models, stating:
“We’re getting a lot wrong about solving hunger if we’re always giving money to the same organizations. Give Goodr a chance to innovate and use technology and data to solve this problem at scale.”
A Vision for Healthier Communities
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the store was a celebratory moment for the community and local leaders.
“This store is a step toward building long-term food security and healthier neighborhoods for all,” the City of Atlanta shared on Instagram.
As Goodr continues its mission, the startup’s impact goes beyond meals, inspiring a model for sustainable solutions in underserved communities.
