Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative launches to boost food access across the South
September 15, 2025
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A new coalition of public and private partners officially launched the Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative (Delta HFFI) on Aug. 14 at the Meat Depot by Food Giant in Birmingham, Alabama. This multi-state initiative aims to expand access to healthy food and strengthen local food systems in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Funded by USDA Rural Development and administered by The Reinvestment Fund, Delta HFFI is being implemented by Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) in the College of Human Sciences in partnership with Hope Enterprise Corporation and Wright Food Solutions. It will provide technical assistance, business development support and financing options for independent food retailers and supply chain partners throughout the Delta region.
“Through this initiative, HSI has an opportunity to strengthen independent retailers and build healthier, more resilient local and regional food systems. We’re proud of these strong partnerships to bring this vision to life in five Southern states.”
Alicia Powers, managing director of Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute
“We are thrilled to kick off the Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative, a vital step forward in addressing food access across the region,” said Alicia Powers, HSI managing director. “Through this initiative, HSI has an opportunity to strengthen independent retailers and build healthier, more resilient local and regional food systems. We’re proud of these strong partnerships to bring this vision to life in five Southern states.”
“Far too many people and communities lack access to fresh food, contributing to poor health and limiting economic opportunities,” said Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Enterprise Corporation. “The Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative brings together financing and technical expertise to help eradicate food deserts, and in the process, create jobs and improve health outcomes in our most under-resourced communities.”
“Everyone deserves access to good food,” added Jimmy Wright, president of Wright Food Solutions. “This program is about more than groceries; it's about giving communities a real chance to thrive. Our goal is not to just open stores—our goal is to open doors to better health, jobs and hope for the Delta Region.”
The launch event gathered local and regional leaders, nonprofit partners and representatives from participating organizations. Media attendees had the opportunity to learn more about how the program will directly support grocers and food businesses while creating healthier communities.
Learn more about Delta HFFI
Delta HFFIAbout the Delta Healthy Food Financing Initiative (Delta HFFI)
Delta HFFI is a regional effort to improve access to healthy food in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. By supporting small retailers and food supply chain businesses, Delta HFFI seeks to reduce food insecurity and stimulate local economic development through targeted technical assistance and financing.
The initiative is administered by Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University, funded by USDA Rural Development and guided by The Reinvestment Fund. HSI partners with Hope Enterprise Corporation and Wright Food Solutions to deliver localized support and capacity-building strategies.
About Hunger Solutions Institute
Located within Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, HSI promotes the development and adoption of best practices to address food and nutrition security. HSI leverages teaching, research and outreach to support three priority areas: Hunger and Healthy Food Access, Hunger and Higher Education and Hunger and Food Systems.
