Super Natural & Fresh Produce III and Finanta (formerly Community First Fund) hosted a ribbon-cutting of a new supermarket in Reading Wednesday morning. Finanta, a nonprofit advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods, allocated $6 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to support the development of this new full-service grocery store at 243 N. 4th Street, Reading, PA.
The project, led by Leopoldo Sanchez, a longtime grocery store operator serving residents, will bring fresh, healthy and affordable food, including Latino foods not found in larger regional stores, to one of Reading’s most important neighborhoods. Sanchez will also hire and train local residents, creating dozens of stable jobs with career growth opportunities, allowing families to achieve greater financial stability.
“This investment reflects Finanta’s commitment to increasing access to healthy food while helping families gain the financial stability to save and plan for their futures,” said Daniel Betancourt, President & CEO of Finanta. “With the support of MTC financing, this project will create quality jobs, provide essential grocery access, and strengthen the local economy.”…