OCC: OCC: Community Developments Investments (August 2012)

A Look Inside ... There is a growing effort to transform low-income communities lacking grocery stores into thriving markets, and banks can assist by providing the right financing tools.
The Reinvestment Fund: A Healthy-Food Financing Leader For an estimated 24.6 million Americans, access to full-service supermarkets is severely limited. This deficit is particularly pronounced in low-income urban, rural, and minority communities. A Coalition of Capital Financing Helps Rural Towns Keep Healthy Food, Community Pride
Federal Agencies Support Financing Efforts to Improve Access to Healthy Food The U.S. Department of the Treasury, through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, participates in a coordinated federal effort with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to increase access to healthy, affordable food in low-income communities that lack such food options. Taking Care of Business and Health USDA Support for Healthy-Food Access
The California FreshWorks Fund: Bringing Food to the Community NCB Capital Impact has financed many healthy-food retail establishments over the past 30 years, and its experience indicates that a lack of flexible financing is one of the greatest obstacles to the creation of healthy-food retail outlets in underserved communities. How the California FreshWorks Fund Loan Pool Is Structured
New Markets Tax Credit Transaction Brings Food Jobs to Newark The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is most recognized for bringing fresh food to underserved neighborhoods, commonly known as “food deserts.” Retail suppliers are only part of the story of bringing better food to the table. The packaging, warehousing, and distribution of produce and fresh meats and fish to the retailers also play roles.
This Just In … OCC’s Four Districts Report on New Opportunities for Banks OCC District Community Affairs Officers report on local and regional opportunities for banks to become involved with community efforts, including opportunities to help finance healthy-food initiatives.