Forty Acres Fresh Market: Bridging Business and Community

Forty Acres Fresh Market: Bridging Business and Community

Liz Abunaw, the visionary founder of Forty Acres Fresh Market, embodies a unique blend of entrepreneurial acumen and a deep commitment to community well-being. As Chicago’s only Black woman-owned grocery store, Forty Acres Fresh Market is a pivotal development for the city’s West Side, an area historically affected by food disparities and limited access to fresh produce.  

Read on to learn why this project is about more than just building a store; it’s a testament to how innovative business solutions can drive positive change and support community revitalization. 

When asked about her initial inspiration, Abunaw recounts, “I saw a gap in the market and thought I had an idea for a business that could fill it. I didn’t initially think of it as getting involved in food justice. The food justice piece came as I realized this gap wasn’t random but part of a larger systemic issue.”  

Abunaw’s journey began in 2018 with pop-up markets and a grocery delivery service. This grassroots approach allowed her to test the waters and refine her business model based on real-world experience. One of the key lessons Abunaw learned along the way was the importance of balancing her mission with practical business strategies. “The end result should be greater equity in food access, but the business is selling groceries in volume. That’s how grocery works,” she emphasizes. This clear understanding has helped her navigate the complexities of running a socially conscious business. 

Transitioning from pop-up markets to a full-fledged grocery store was not without its challenges. However, she remained determined to find a way to scale her business. A significant turning point came in 2019 when funding opportunities for food desert projects became available to businesses, not just nonprofits. “That was a game-changer,” Abunaw recalls. “We received grants from the USDA’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative and the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Fund, which were crucial in helping us move forward.” 

After receiving the funding needed for a brick-and-mortar store, it was time to find a construction partner to bring her dream to life. 

“We received several bids for the project, but Milhouse Construction stood out for their organization and process orientation,” Abunaw notes. “Milhouse’s project management is exceptional. They are committed to their timelines and communication, which has been crucial for our project’s success.” This high level of professionalism has ensured that the project stays on track and meets its goals. 

Milhouse’s role goes beyond construction; their involvement reflects their vision of having a positive impact on the communities they serve. Abunaw is particularly impressed with the diversity she sees on the Milhouse Construction site. “What I find awesome is I walk on that site, and I see women, Black people, and Hispanic people working there. I love the diversity on the site and the commitment to making sure that the work is done by a diverse set of skilled tradespeople,” she says. This commitment to diversity enhances the collaborative spirit of the project and ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all stakeholders. 

Safety and professionalism are also top priorities for Milhouse. Abunaw recounts, “Milhouse’s commitment to safety is incredible. Our superintendent from Milhouse was adamant about safety. He made sure that everyone on site was following safety protocols, and his commitment to safety and professionalism made a significant difference.” 

“Whenever anybody asks me who my General Contractor is, I tell them: ‘Milhouse, and if you’re smart, you’ll hire them’,” added Abunaw. 

Abunaw has clear plans for the future of Forty Acres Fresh Market. “We are set up for fast, frequent shopping. We want to be the go-to store for small, regular purchases,” she explains. Her goal is to complement larger grocery chains by providing a convenient shopping experience. Whether you need to pick up fresh produce for dinner or order a grocery delivery, Forty Acres Fresh Market aims to be your reliable local grocery store. 

Abunaw hopes that Forty Acres Fresh Market will have a lasting impact on the community. “We want to create a space where people can access fresh, healthy food conveniently. Our presence should enhance the local economy and improve overall community health,” she says. 

Liz Abunaw’s journey with Forty Acres Fresh Market is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community improvement. Her collaboration with Milhouse Construction underscores the power of diverse partnerships that share a common vision of enhancing communities. As Forty Acres Fresh Market nears completion, Abunaw’s story serves as an inspiring example of how business acumen and social impact can go hand in hand. 

Forty Acres Fresh Market is scheduled to open later this year. Until then, you can purchase high-quality produce at their pop-up events or through their grocery delivery service. Learn more at fortyacresfreshmarket.com.