Once upon a time in South Atlanta, the rhythm of daily life flowed through the doors of small, corner grocery stores. In neighborhoods like Lakewood Heights, images of the Colonial Grocery Store werenโt just snapshots in timeโthey were reflections of a thriving, connected community. These stores didnโt just sell bread and milk. They offered dignity, convenience, and a sense of home.
In early 2025, Focused Community Strategies (FCS), the nonprofit organization that operates Carver Market, was awarded a $50,000 grant from Invest Atlanta. This support helped strengthen the marketโs infrastructure and further its mission of food access and community revitalization.
If you ask the elders who have spent their lives walking these streets, theyโll tell you about the golden daysโwhen four grocery stores served South Atlanta. Not four chains. Not four megastores. Just four humble, community-rooted shops where neighbors knew your name and fresh food was only a short walk away.
But time moved on. The supermarkets cameโlarger, shinier, and located miles away from the people who once relied on their neighborhood grocers. The small stores faded, their buildings repurposed or left behind. The Colonial Grocery gave way to Little Bear, a store that doesnโt quite meet the communityโs needsโor its hopes.
The corner where Community Grounds and Carver Market now stand? That was once a place of lossโa symbol of what used to be. But not anymore.
In 2014, we asked a question:ย What would it take to bring a grocery store back to South Atlanta?ย The answers were both sobering and inspiring.
We learned:
- Our neighbors spend a lot on food.
- But not enough for big-name grocery chains to take notice.
And yet, we refused to accept that as the end of the story.
Having worked in this neighborhood since 2001, we knew firsthand that food access wasnโt just an inconvenienceโit was a justice issue. We saw the toll it took on health, opportunity, and community pride. So, we took action.
And thatโs how the Carver Neighborhood Market was bornโnot just as a store, but as a solution. A symbol of resilience. A gathering place. A promise that South Atlanta matters.
This isnโt just about groceries. Itโs about restoring dignity. Itโs about building somethingย for us, by us.
And weโre just getting started.
We hope youโll be a part of it.
#InvestAtlanta #SouthAtlanta #CarverMarket #FoodMarket #CarverNeighborhoodMarket